Cancer has ranked as the leading cause of death in Taiwan for 41 consecutive years. According to statistics, approximately 53,000 people die from cancer annually, with around 130,000 new cases diagnosed each year. In 2024, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) provided cancer screening services to 4.819 million people, with an 85.4% follow-up rate for positive cases. This led to the detection of 60,000 cases of precancerous lesions or confirmed cancers. To improve early diagnosis and treatment opportunities, Taiwan will expand its cancer screening services starting in 2025, helping more citizens detect cancer early and reduce the risk of death.
Regular Screening Saves Lives &ndash Over 90% Cure Rate for Early Detection.
Cancer screenings significantly increase the chances of early diagnosis. For example, among those diagnosed with colorectal cancer through screening, 93.4% were found in precancerous or early stages (stage 0 or 1). In contrast, only 26.9% of cases discovered without screening were caught early. Statistics show that patients with early-stage colorectal cancer have a 5-year survival rate of over 90%, but if diagnosed at stage 4, the survival rate drops to below 20%.
Don&rsquot Delay Follow-Up for Abnormal Results &ndash Timely Action Reduces Risk
If screening results are abnormal, it is crucial to follow up with further medical examinations as soon as possible. Research indicates that individuals with positive fecal occult blood tests who wait over six months to undergo a colonoscopy double their risk of developing late-stage colorectal cancer. If the delay exceeds one year, the risk increases to 2.8 times. Prompt follow-up significantly reduces cancer risk and improves treatment success rates.
Proactive Follow-Up Mechanism Ensures Timely Medical Support
To reduce cancer incidence and mortality, the HPA has established a comprehensive system for screening, follow-up, and diagnosis. Medical institutions now adopt a "proactive follow-up" approach for individuals with abnormal screening results, directly contacting patients to provide health education and arrange further examinations, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate medical care.
Those who receive abnormal results should remain calm and follow their doctor&rsquos recommendations for additional tests to lower cancer risks and minimize the impact on themselves and their families.
Citizens can check their eligibility for screenings via the National Health Insurance mobile app (Home > Reminders) or visit the Cancer Screening Events and Healthcare Facility Information Portal to conveniently locate screening events and medical institutions.
Screening Events and Medical Institution Information (Image: Ministry of Health and Welfare Facebook Page)
