B
reasts – whatever their
size or shape – us ladies
all have them! We know
to look after our forward-
facing assets by wearing proper bras
and regularly checking for unusual
lumps. We also know the benefits of
following a healthy lifestyle, which
is not always easy with the stresses
of modern life. Unfortunately, some
women will find a lump, as breast
cancer is more common than we
care to think about – it is the most
common cancer affecting women
in Hong Kong. But what happens,
when the worst happens and cancer
is diagnosed?
Education and support
In addition to world-class health
services and support from our
nearest and dearest, it’s reassuring to
know that there’s a dedicated local
charitable organisation on hand to
help. The Hong Kong Breast Cancer
Foundation (HKBCF) was set up
in 2005 to eliminate the threat of
breast cancer within our community
through education and support, as
well as advocate for better breast
cancer care. Their mission is to
promote public awareness of breast
cancer, the importance of breast
health and support recovering
patients. Over the last decade,
HKBCF has played an invaluable
role by ensuring no-one faces breast
cancer alone. They assist those
touched by the disease through
financial assistance (where required)
and counselling.
Health care worker Rosanna
knew she was a cancer risk due
to family history, shift-work, lack
of exercise and being overweight.
Aware of these risks, she underwent
regular screening which saved her
life when – sadly – breast cancer
was detected. Rosanna joined a
HKBCF support group “to listen
to the experiences of my peers”
which “helped boost my confidence
in fighting the disease.” This brave
survivor encourages others to speak
out so family and friends can assist
their cancer fight. Rosanna hopes
that the Government will actively
promote screening because early
detection can lead to a higher
survival rate
Volunteers and donors
HKBCF provides these invaluable
services thanks to donors and
volunteers. One volunteer, Ms Yeung,
happily assists weekly with general
office duties, so she can “Help others
help themselves”, believing that the
organisation’s work “can really help
people.”
Another volunteer, Dr Yuen,
devotes time to HKBCFs’
psychological counselling service.
She says, “I realise the importance
of psychological support to cancer
patients at different stages of their
treatment path. No matter if they
are newly diagnosed, terminal stage
or relapsed patients, it is critical that
they obtain psychological support at
an early stage.”
This non-profit charity welcomes
donations and volunteers. Everyone
can help – you could buy a pink
ribbon, t-shirt or bracelet, or join
a fundraising event, from their
annual walk to a yoga class. Your
contribution could truly help save
a sister’s life. To find out more, click
or email
S pporting
our sisters
The Hong Kong Breast Cancer
Foundation helps so many women
in so many different ways.
Gillian Johnston
finds out more.
May 2015
97
