Tung Wah Group of Hospitals

TWGHs HKU Health Companion Programme for Smokers

Project Background

Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the School of Public Health and the School of Clinical Medicine of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) are jointly launching a six-year initiative titled the “HKU Health Companion Programme for Smokers”. Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) is one of the participating non-governmental organizations (NGOs), collaborating alongside five other organizations to safeguard public lung health.

Programme Objectives and Vision

The programme aims to implement Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk smokers. The findings will fill the gap in local lung cancer screening data and provide evidence-based policy recommendations for integrating lung cancer screening into Hong Kong’s future routine healthcare system.

Health Benefits for Participants

1. Free blood test to help you understand your health status

2. Free smoking cessation service based on needs

3. Having the chance to undergo a free lung cancer screening via Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT)

Eligibility Criteria

Hong Kong residents who meet all of the following conditions are welcome to apply:

1. Aged between 50 and 79;

2. Current smokers, or ex-smokers who have quit within the past 10 years.

3. Has a smoking history of 20 “pack-years” or more*;

* A “pack-year” is a unit used to measure a person’s total smoking exposure over time. The calculation method is as follows:

Average number of packs smoked per day (1 pack = 20 cigarettes) X Number of years smoking = Pack-years

Example 1: Smoking an average of 1 pack per day for 20 years –>1x 20 = 20 pack-years.

Example 2: Smoking an average of half a pack per day for 40 years –> 0.5 x 40 = 20 pack-years.

(Note: For individuals who quit smoking but started again later, the total number of smoking years includes both the period before quitting and the period after restarting.)

Programme Process Overview

Upon successful registration and signing the informed consent form, you will enter a 5-year scientific health research and follow-up process. All procedures will be conducted at designated community networks (such as TWGHs service locations), that are completely free of charge:

• Step 1: Baseline Assessment -> Complete a health questionnaire and the first free blood test.
• Step 2: Randomization -> A computer system will fairly and randomly assign participants into the following two groups:
  • 【Intervention Group】Receive 3 free Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scans within 5 years.
  • 【Control Group】Receive continuous health monitoring.
• Step 3: Long-term Follow-up -> <For Both Group> Periodic health questionnaires and 2 additional free blood tests within 5 years.

How to Participate

All eligible citizens are welcomed to sign up. For any enquiry, direct phone call and WhatsApp are available, or click the link below to register. Our project team will contact you as soon as possible during office hours.

[Click here for Online Registration]

[Click here for the Project Leaflet]

Enquiries & Appointments

Tel: 2637 5836 / 9138 8736 / 9179 3738
Email: lspp-info@tungwah.org.hk
Project related QR Code:

Service Points