The Department of Health today announced that all 18 Elderly Health Centres under the department will provide breast cancer screening services for eligible female members from December 13.

The department will use the personalised breast cancer risk assessment tool during health assessment for the centres’ enrolled female members who are aged between 65 and 69 to assess their risk of developing breast cancer and provide breast cancer screening as appropriate.

Upon enrolling in the health centre services with an annual fee of $110, eligible female members have to pay an additional $225 for mammography per episode. Breast ultrasound scanning as a supplementary examination may be arranged for them if necessary.

Fees will be waived for people who are receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, holders of medical charge waivers or level 0 voucher holders of the Pilot Scheme on Residential Care Service Voucher for the Elderly.

The two-year Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme, which started on September 6, provides screening service for eligible women with the aim of detecting early breast cancer.

Three Woman Health Centres are providing breast cancer screening and this service will be extended to 18 Elderly Health Centres.