Non-governmental Organization & Charity Organization

Hong Kong Cancer Fund

●  Fertility Preservation Support Service Programme

For young adults who are diagnosed with cancer, they need to look at fertility if, at any time in the future, they would like to start a family. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy (and some surgeries) may damage the reproductive organs. Prior to any surgery or treatment they will need to decide on fertility preservation (FP).

The options for FP include egg, embryo or ovarian tissue freezing for women and sperm freezing for men. However, the procedure and freezing charges can be expensive and are not covered by insurance or public health services.

We have therefore created a programme for young adult cancer patients who desire to have children in the future. Our objective is to not only raise awareness of the importance of FP but also to support the costs and psychological impact and help alleviate some of the stresses associated with this aspect of their cancer diagnosis.

This programme is supported by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of HKU and CUHK.

Applicants must:

* hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card and be at the age of 18 to 35 years old, and live in Hong Kong permanently;

* be newly diagnosed cancer patients;

* have not received any prior chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy; and

* undergo a medical assessment and referred by the aforesaid two universities’ reproductive units’ doctors.

For more information, please click here or contact us at 3656 0800.

●  Relief Fund

The Relief Fund provides short-term support to cancer patients and their families, with the aim of alleviating the financial stress for families affected by cancer and allowing patients to focus on their recovery. The Relief Fund covers a comprehensive range of expenses, including daily necessities, nutritional formula milk, transport expenses, Chinese medicine treatment, personal care services and more.

* Applicants must hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card and be at least 18 years old.

*Applicants are required to undergo a financial and medical assessment or provide other information as requested by Cancer Fund.

●  Food Programme

Through the distribution of supermarket vouchers, the Food Programme provides cancer patients with a three-month subsidy to purchase nutritious and quality food to meet their body’s nutritional needs during treatment and recovery.

* Applicants must hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card and be at least 18 years old.

* Applicants are required to complete a simple nutritional and financial assessment for audit purposes.

* Please contact the Hong Kong Cancer Fund Service Centre or call the enquiry hotline at 3656 0800 for more information.

Hospital Authority & Social Welfare Department

●  Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme

The objective of CSSA is to provide financial assistance to individuals and families in need to increase their disposable income up to a certain level to meet their basic needs. Upon receipt of an application, staff of the Social Welfare Department will arrange for an interview and a home visit to check the applicant’s circumstances and information provided. All applicants must be Hong Kong residents for not less than one year, all application will be processed in Hong Kong.

*Contact one of your Social Security Field Units or apply by phone, fax, email, post or online form, or get a referral from a government department or other non-government organisation if required.

● Disability Allowance

Disability Allowance can be divided into Normal Disability Allowance and Higher Disability Allowance. The Social Welfare Department provides a monthly cash allowance to Hong Kong residents who are severely disabled to meet their special needs arising from severe disabilities.

*Contact one of your local Social Security Field Units or apply by phone, fax, email, post or online form, or get a referral from a government department or other non-government organisation if required.

● Short-term Food Assistance

The Social Welfare Department provides free short-term food assistance services to individuals or families in immediate financial hardship due to sudden changes in their current situation. The total monthly income and assets of the applicant and household members must not exceed the limits set for short-term food assistance services.

*Please contact your local short-term food assistance team for further information.