DH reminds public not to use cervical screening methods that lack sufficient scientific evidence
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In Hong Kong, cervical cancer was the ninth most common female cancer in 2022, with 522 new cases and 167 deaths. To reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, the Government has all along implemented a multi-pronged strategy. This includes providing free HPV vaccinations to eligible Primary Five schoolgirls under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme since the 2019/20 school year by the DH; launching the Cervical Screening Programme in 2004; and promoting and enhancing health education through various channels to further increase screening coverage and public awareness of cervical cancer prevention.
In response to the recommendation of the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG), the DH adopted HPV testing using cervical cells as the primary approach of cervical screening for women aged 30 to 64 since April 2023. For women aged 25 to 29, in view of their higher prevalence of transient HPV infection, HPV testing may lead to unnecessary follow-up test and medical procedures. The CEWG recommended that women in this age group continue to undergo cervical screening by cervical cytology (also known as cervical smear or Pap smear).
In addition to healthcare professionals collecting cervical samples for cytology or HPV testing, the World Health Organization recommended that vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing as another reliable method for cervical screening. Hence, from June 2024, the DH launched a Pilot Scheme on HPV Testing of Self-collected Samples at 11 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) that provide family planning services in order to explore the feasibility and acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling.
Regarding self-collected menstrual blood or urine samples, the DH noted that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence in Hong Kong or internationally to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of such cervical screening method. The DH will continue to review the latest scientific evidence in this field.
The DH stressed that all screening methods have their limitations, including the potential for false negative or false positive results. Therefore, screening results should only be used as a reference and cannot substitute professional diagnosis by medical practitioners. Members of the public who have concerns about their screening results should consult healthcare professionals to develop appropriate health assessment plan based on their personal health conditions and needs, and to undergo examination at suitable medical institutions. Under the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161), any medical diagnosis must be made by a registered medical practitioner. If, during the process, the medical practitioner deem it necessary for the patient to undergo laboratory tests or examinations, the medical practitioner may either conduct such tests or examinations himself/herself or refer the tests or examinations to a registered medical laboratory technologist to perform. Under the Allied Health Professions Ordinance (Cap. 359) and its subsidiary legislation, a registered medical laboratory technologist shall not perform any laboratory tests or examinations for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment unless referred by a registered medical practitioner.
Women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience should consult healthcare professionals to select and undergo appropriate cervical screening methods regularly. Women planning to receive cervical screening at any of the MCHCs under the DH may make an appointment via the 24-hour hotline at 3166 6631. For more information about cervical cancer and screening, please visit https://www.cervicalscreening.gov.hk/en/index.html.
Ends/Sunday, October 26, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:03
Issued at HKT 12:03
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