About the Project
This is a joint project between the University of Hong Kong (Dept of O&G), Roche Diagnostics, the Karen Leung Foundation, Christian Action and the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPA).
With this project, we aim to provide cervical cancer screening services to women who do not attend regular screening. This way more women can be screened and through early detection avoid developing cervical cancer, one of the most preventable cancers.
In the project, we will offer free cervical screening tests for 500 eligible women.
Meanwhile, it is also a research project in which we would like to determine the possibility and potential of conducting cervical screenings tests at home through self-sampling.
By joining this project, you will be given a kit to do the test yourself at home (i.e. self- sampling), with clear instructions. Since self-sampling is not yet a standard screening method in Hong Kong, you are advised to take the kit back to a nearby FPA clinic within one month upon recieving the self-sample kit, where you will also receive a standard cervical screening test (cervical smear) and HPV test free of charge.
If you prefer not to go to a clinic, you can simply post the kit back to us within two weeks (we will arrange free delivery service for you) and we will inform you the test result.
If you like to join the project or find out more: click here
Project Teal
Self Sampling
Way to Test
Participant Guide
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1
Receive the kit
If you join the project, a self-sampling kit will be mailed to you within two weeks. -
2
Read the instructions
When you receive the pack, please read through the enclosed instructions.What's self-sampling? -
3
Collect the sample
Please follow the instruction sheet to collect the sample. -
4
Attend to the FPA clinics (Recommended)
Please take the sample to one of the FPA clinics within one month upon receiving the kit* and receive a free cervical smear and HPV test.List of FPA clinicsOr
Not attend to the FPA clinics
If you prefer not to attend to a FPA clinics, please follow the instruction sheet to arrange free pick up by our courier service within two weeks. We will contact you with the result of the test and advise you to attend for further test at the FPA if required (free of charge). Read more
FAQs
Q.
How common is cervical cancer among women?
A.
Cervical cancer is the 9th most common cancer and the 9th leading cause of cancer-related deaths amongst women in Hong Kong according to the cancer registry of 2017.
Q.
What causes cervical cancer?
A.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer, causing more than 99% of cases. Most HPV infections are spread through sexual contact but are cleared by the body naturally. However, persistent HPV infections can cause abnormal cervical cell growth and lead to cervical cancer.
Q.
Are all HPV types cancer-causing?
A.
There are more than 100 types of HPV, but only some are considered high-risk for cervical cancer. HPV 16 and 18 are the highest-risk of all, causing 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
There is currently no treatment for HPV but often the infection clears naturally . In most women, HPV infections clear within two years of detection.
There is currently no treatment for HPV but often the infection clears naturally . In most women, HPV infections clear within two years of detection.
Q.
How is cervical cancer preventable?
A.
There are some general preventive measures such as avoiding smoking, practicing safe sex and leading a healthy lifestyle. However, the best ways to prevent cervical cancer are vaccination against HPV and regular cervical cancer screening.
Vaccination works best for young girls before they are sexually active. However, it does not provide full protection. Hence, regular cervical cancer screening is recommended.
Vaccination works best for young girls before they are sexually active. However, it does not provide full protection. Hence, regular cervical cancer screening is recommended.
Q.
What is cervical cancer screening?
A.
Pap smear ( Cytology ) is the standard cervical cancer screening tool used in Hong Kong. It is a quick and simple test for women to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which may progress to cancer if ignored.
Besides, high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing is an alternative primary screening tool in several Western countries. hrHPV testing – either as a co-test with cytology or as a stand-alone primary test – has been included in national screening guidelines in many countries (e.g. the Netherlands).
Besides, high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing is an alternative primary screening tool in several Western countries. hrHPV testing – either as a co-test with cytology or as a stand-alone primary test – has been included in national screening guidelines in many countries (e.g. the Netherlands).
Q.
What is a HPV test?
A.
The HPV test looks for the presence of the high-risk HPV. It is significantly more sensitive than the Pap smear and will miss fewer cervical cancer cases.
Q.
What is the difference between a Pap smear and a HPV test?
A.
Pap smear looks for abnormal cervical cells while HPV test looks for high risk HPV. HPV test has higher sensitivity than Pap smear.
Q.
I have never had sexual intercourse, am i still at risk?
A.
If you have never had any sexual contact with a man or woman, your chance of developing cervical cancer is very low.
Q.
If I have had only 1 partner, am I still at risk?
A.
Yes, you are still at risk.
Q.
If I choose to go to the FPA clinic as a part of the project, is the test at FPA clinic the same as the one done in a Maternal & Child Health Centre?
A.
Not exactly, you usually have only Pap smear in Maternal & Child Health Centre for cervical screening. In our study, both Pap smear and HPV test will be done using the same sample and there is no extra procedure.
Q.
If I choose to go to the FPA clinic as part of this project , what should I do?
A.
1. Register online and fill in the infomation needed.
2. You will recieve a post mail with the self-sample kit within two weeks.
3. Do the self-sample as instructed.
4. Bring the self sample and the invitation letter to FPA (in the self-sample kit) for Pap smear + HPV test within ONE MONTH. NO BOOKING is required.
5. The FPA will return the test result (around 2 months).
2. You will recieve a post mail with the self-sample kit within two weeks.
3. Do the self-sample as instructed.
4. Bring the self sample and the invitation letter to FPA (in the self-sample kit) for Pap smear + HPV test within ONE MONTH. NO BOOKING is required.
5. The FPA will return the test result (around 2 months).
Q.
If I want to join this project but I prefer not going to a clinic, what should I do?
A.
1. Register online and fill in the infomation needed.
2. You will recieve a post mail with the self-sample kit within two weeks.
3. Do the self sample as instructed.
4. Mail the test kit as instructed within TWO WEEKS.
5. The reaserch staff from HKU will inform you the result (around 2 months),
2. You will recieve a post mail with the self-sample kit within two weeks.
3. Do the self sample as instructed.
4. Mail the test kit as instructed within TWO WEEKS.
5. The reaserch staff from HKU will inform you the result (around 2 months),
Q.
I am having my period, should I get screened later?
A.
Yes, you should get screened after your period ends.
Q.
Do I need to pay for the test?
A.
No, it is FREE. This is a HKU study supported by the Karen Leung Foundation, which is a charity that provides women with free screenings and vaccination to prevent cervical cancers. We hope to help more women and improve your health.
Q.
Is there any more information about cervical cancer and cervical screening in Hong Kong?
A.
You can visit the website of cervical screening programme by Department of Health, HKSAR https://www.cervicalscreening.gov.hk/
Programme Partners
The University of Hong Kong (Dept of O&G) is the main study investigator.
Roche Diagnostics is study sponsor.
The Karen Leung Foundation is the co-investigator, participant recruiter and study sponsor.
Christian Action is a participant recruiter.
The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPA) is a medical provider.