TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Cancer, a leading cause of death globally, places immense physical and emotional strain on millions. In Taiwan, it has consistently been the leading cause of death, with various types impacting numerous lives.
The Health Ministry's Health Promotion Administration's latest report reveals a significant shift in 2021: lung cancer emerged as the most common cancer, surpassing colorectal cancer, which had been in the lead for 15 years.
The Prevention and Control Division observed that lung cancer cases have been increasing annually for five years, likely due to more early diagnoses. "As human life expectancy increases, air quality worsens. Numerous drugs treat lung cancer, but screening is the only effective prevention method," says Lee Chun-hui, an Oncology Department physician at National Cheng Kung University Hospital.
The 5-year survival rate for early-stage lung cancer can reach 90%, highlighting the critical importance of early diagnosis, compared to only 10% for Stage IV.
Since July 2022, Taiwan has been the first nation to provide lung cancer screening for those with a family history or a history of heavy smoking. The Lung Cancer Early Detection Program offers biannual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screenings to safeguard health.
Lee Yu-ching, Chief of Family Medicine at Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, advises residents in polluted areas or those exposed to industrial chemicals like arsenic, chromium, nickel, or asbestos to consider voluntary screenings.
Lung cancer screening is the fifth government-provided cancer screening in Taiwan, following cervical, breast, oral cavity, and colorectal cancer screenings.
In 2021, Taiwan recorded 121,762 new cancer cases, with an average diagnosis every four minutes and nineteen seconds. Screening is not daunting; it is the late discovery that causes distress. Prioritizing health, adopting healthy habits, and utilizing advanced screenings are key to combating cancer.