Hong Kong Breast Cancer Registry Report No. 16 Press Conference: Analyze De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer, Precise Staging Enhances Treatment

HONG KONG, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Registry (HKBCR), run by the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF), launched its 16th annual research report today. The report aimed to shed light on the comparison between the patients of de novo metastatic breast cancer (dnMBC) (stage IV) and early breast cancer (eBC) (stages I-II). The findings revealed that nearly 80% of dnMBC patients had never undergone regular breast screenings, and 42.2% had never had any breast screenings. Additionally, many delayed for more than three months to seek medical consultation after noticing symptoms.

The report also adopted a new prognostic staging system for patients with dnMBC proposed by Plichta team in the United States to predict patient survival, aiding in the design of personalized treatment strategies. Dr. Polly CHEUNG, Founder of the HKBCF and Co-Chairman of the HKBCR Steering Committee, said, "The number of stage IV breast cancer cases in Hong Kong continues to rise, with a five-year overall survival rate of approximately 55%, significantly lower than that of the entire breast cancer cohort (about 95%).^[1] Doctors can use the staging system to more accurately analyze the risks and survival rates of stage IV breast cancer patients, allowing for personalized management that improves survival and gives hope." Dr. Cheung also emphasized that the report results confirm the need to raise breast health awareness among women in Hong Kong.