Thousands of women at high risk of breast cancer will enjoy free screenings as the government rolls out a new round of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme on June 10.

Women aged 35 to 74 who carry genetic mutations leading to a higher risk of breast cancer or those with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer are eligible to participate in the scheme.

They should also be asymptomatic and have no history of breast cancer.

Those eligible will receive assessments and mammograms at seven designated clinics operated by three non-governmental organisations – Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service and Haven of Hope Christian Service Clinic.

Registrations start on Friday.

Additional ultrasound tests will also be arranged for those in need.

The head of the Centre for Health Protection's non-communicable disease branch, Anne Chee, said programme participants will not have to pay for the screening tests, which could cost up to HK$3,000 in the private sector.

She said the three service providers have long-standing histories of providing health services for women.

"We believe that through the collaboration with the NGOs, we can mobilise our community power in promoting health and offer an alternative service model to women in Hong Kong," she said, adding that the scheme will last for three years.

Chee said breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hong Kong women, with more than 5,000 new cases being recorded in 2022 alone.

She added that early detection could significantly bring down the mortality rate.