The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation has initiated a care program to support breast cancer patients receiving treatment at public hospitals to assess the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Patients can apply for a full refund of the HK$38,000 cost for the Oncotype DX test if the recurrence score ranges from 26 to 100, meaning they must continue their chemotherapy.
The refund is only applicable for the first completion of the test.
Samantha Suen Pui-yee, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, said the “Breast Recurrence Score Patient Care Program” aims to alleviate the financial burden of breast cancer patients.
The Foundation also conducted an online survey in June, with 530 respondents participating, and the results showed 88 percent were worried about the side effects of breast cancer treatment.
Separately, 63 percent of respondents hope to avoid chemotherapy, while 75 percent mistakenly believe that all breast cancer patients have to undergo chemotherapy.
Choi Lai Yin, the honorary medical consultant for the breast health center of the Foundation, noted that more than 60 percent of breast cancer patients received chemotherapy. However, a number of early-stage cases fail to show significant therapeutic effects from the treatment. Less than two out of ten patients on average can achieve the outcome in chemotherapy treatment, added Choi.
Choi Lai Yin, the honorary medical consultant for the breast health center of the Foundation, has noted that over 60 percent of breast cancer patients undergo chemotherapy. However, a significant number of early-stage cases do not show substantial therapeutic effects.
On average, less than two out of ten patients can achieve positive outcomes from chemotherapy treatment, added Choi.
Hong Kong United Times丨香港聯合時報丨HKUT 