Here is a health story with a price tag on it, which is how you know someone wants the government to listen.

The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation looked at women whose breast cancers were found by routine mammograms. They did far better than women who were diagnosed only after symptoms appeared. The foundation says screening from age 40 could save HK$770 million.

Think about what that means. Finding a problem early is good for the woman. It also costs less than fixing it late. Nobody has to choose between being kind and being careful with the budget. Both point the same way.

I run a stall. If I could check the wok before the fire started, I would do it every time. Waiting until the smoke is coming out of the kitchen is the expensive way to run anything.

The foundation is asking for the screening age to come down to 40. The government now has a number on the table to argue with. HK$770 million is a big one, and a hard one to wave away.

If you are a woman in your forties, or you have one in your family, this is worth a conversation at your next check-up.