Gleneagles Hong Kong is offering free prostate cancer and hepatitis B blood tests, with medical follow-up for participants showing abnormal results
Gleneagles Hong Kong has launched a preventive health programme providing 1,000 free screenings for prostate cancer and hepatitis B. The initiative is designed to improve access to early detection and raise awareness of two conditions that can develop without obvious symptoms in their initial stages.
The programme is open to eligible people aged 18 and over. Depending on individual screening needs, participants can receive blood tests for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, as well as hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B surface antibodies.
Free testing with medical follow-up
The screenings are available at Gleneagles MediCentre in Admiralty and Gleneagles Healthcare South Horizons. Participants receive the blood test and corresponding report free of charge.
The programme also includes follow-up care when results indicate a potential health problem. Participants with abnormal findings are offered a consultation with a doctor through Gleneagles' teleconsultation service. Where necessary, they can also be referred to a specialist without charge.
Gleneagles Hong Kong, which is part of IHH Healthcare, says the initiative is intended to make preventive medicine more accessible and encourage people to assess health risks before symptoms appear.
Prostate cancer remains a major concern for men
According to data cited from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, prostate cancer was the third most common cancer among men in Hong Kong in 2023, with 3,031 new cases recorded.
Early-stage prostate cancer may cause no noticeable symptoms. The PSA blood test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen and can help identify men who may require further medical assessment. An elevated PSA level does not by itself establish a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Liver cancer also remains among Hong Kong's five most common cancers. A total of 1,700 new cases were recorded in 2023. Chronic hepatitis B infection is one of the major risk factors for developing the disease.
Hepatitis B can remain unnoticed for years
Testing for hepatitis B surface antigen can indicate a current hepatitis B infection, while testing for surface antibodies can provide information about immunity. Screening can therefore help participants better understand their hepatitis B status and whether further medical assessment may be appropriate.
“At Gleneagles Hong Kong, we believe healthcare should extend beyond treating illnesses to empowering people to detect and manage potential health risks early,” said Dr Kenneth Tsang, Regional Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare North Asia and Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong.
“Through initiatives such as this screening programme, we hope to encourage people to gain deeper awareness of the importance of preventive healthcare and facilitate timely intervention where appropriate.”
Programme limited to 1,000 screenings
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the sponsored quota has been filled.
The initiative forms part of IHH Healthcare's broader preventive healthcare activities and its Care. For Good. sustainability programme. According to Tsang, the long-term objective is to encourage greater awareness of prevention and contribute to healthier communities across Hong Kong.
Image Credit: © AI generated illustration
