About
The Hong Kong Women for Oncology (HKW4O) was formed in 2020, inspired by the ESMO Women for Oncology (W4O) initiative, as a way to connect the dots with all Hong Kong clinical oncologists and medical oncologists. Under the guidance of Dr. Janice Tsang, ESMO W4O Deputy Chair, all women oncology leaders in Hong Kong were contacted to create the group, from clinical oncology, medical oncology and across institutions and crossing both the public and private sectors.
The objectives of the HKW4O include:
- supporting professionalism and career development of women oncologists in Hong Kong
- encouraging balanced gender representation across all oncology academic and non-academic educational and advocacy programmes and activities
- nurturing the development of a network of women oncologists to enhance better collaboration in oncology and gender-related research
- promoting work-life balance among women oncologists and their counterparts
- enhancing the welfare and interests of women oncologists
- raising awareness on women’s health and well-being in the Hong Kong community with particular reference to cancer care and cancer prevention
- helping the underprivileged and under-represented population in the community
- helping to influence the public policy related to the female gender in the community
- strengthening the regional and international network, collaborating with women oncologists in the Asia-Pacific and around the world
Governing body and members
Founding Convenor: Janice Tsang
Founding executive board members:
Brigette Ma
Joanne Chiu
Carmen Leung
Inda Soong
Patricia Poon
Amy Chang
Winnie Tin
Cindy Wong
Honorary Patron: Professor Rosie Young
Honorary Advisors: Dr Diana Siu, Professor Anne Lee
Affiliated members:
- more than 70 members, including all registered female oncologists, both clinical and medical oncologists,
- more than 10 fellows and trainees in the specialties of clinical oncology and medical oncology in Hong Kong
Activities
HKW4O organises:
- Research projects:
- exploratory study on the unmet needs of women oncologists in Hong Kong
- taskforce on the radiation hazards for female oncologists with regards to fertility and planning for family. Aim of the project is to develop a systematic review and a proposal of a general guidelines
- Events and scientific meetings
- Work-life balance programme: to provide relaxation opportunities to women oncologists
- Engagement activities: to foster the HKW4O community for example on awareness days
