Hong Kong Center for Health Protection will launch from Sept. 18 a series of exhibitions to increase cervical cancer awareness, the Center said Thursday.

The exhibitions also aim at promoting knowledge on cervical screening and encouraging participation in the screening program.

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Hong Kong and the eighth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. There were 438 new cases in 2001 and 128 deaths in Hong Kong.

The two-month exhibitions, which are part of the Cervical Screening Program starting from March, will include displays on prevention and screening of cervical cancer, games, a video show and distribution of booklets and pamphlets.

The Cervical Screening Program was launched by the Center for Health Protection in collaboration with other service providers. It aims to achieve higher screening coverage in the target population, thereby, reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer and improving the quality of life of Hong Kong women.

The Center said it will continue to hold other exhibitions to promote the Cervical Screening Program.

(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2004)