TNAG-1726-FCO40-2439-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 333

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 3 February 1988

707

me for

1 000. This was considered to be too low to justify a screening progi all women. Targetted screening of women with increased risk of contracting cervical cancer is therefore preferred.

DR. IP: Sir, is Government aware that the incidence of cervical carcinoma can be reduced by 20 per 100 000 if screening tests were carried out and that there is a 100 per cent cure for precancerous state if diagnosed early by screening, in contrast to only some 10 per cent for late stages of this cancer? If so, taking the matter in perspective, would Government reconsider accepting screening for all women in spite of a low pick up rate?

SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I think a decision on introducing universal screening of this type has to depend on priorities but I will pass to the Director of Medical and Health Services the information which Dr. Ip has provided and ask him to reconsider whether this should be undertaken.

DR. CHIU: Sir, will the Government inform this Council what the financial and manpower implications would be if routine cervical smear screening test for all women aged 30 or above were to be introduced?

SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I do not have a complete answer to that question but I am told that the cost per smear is $25, so perhaps that gives some indication of the quite large expenditure which would be incurred if it were to be applied universally to all women over 30.

DR. IP: Sir, the reason just given for not introducing a screening programme for all women at risk was that the pick up rate was too low. How does this pick up rate compare with the other government routine screening tests that are already being carried out? Secondly, what pick up rate does Government consider high enough to make screening programmes worthwhile; and lastly, are there any other screening tests in this world for cancer with a higher pick up rate than this and for which immediate treatment can offer 100 per cent cure?

SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I am afraid I do not have the answer to these rather technical professional questions. I will consult my medical advisers and will reply to Dr. IP in writing. (See Annex III)

DR. IP: Sir, who are at risk in developing cervical carcinoma? Does Government intend to educate this at-risk group and can women in this group walk in any of the clinics mentioned and obtain a routine Pap smear?

SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I am told that the high risk groups are women who have multiple sexual partners, those who suffer from or have a history of sexually transmitted diseases and women who have had early sexual experience. I am sure that if any women in these categories ask for tests to be conducted, they will be conducted.