TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is witnessing a concerning surge in cancer diagnoses among younger adults. According to the Health Ministry's report, over the past fifteen years, there has been a consistent increase in newly diagnosed cancer cases among individuals aged twenty to thirty-nine.
Tseng Tzu-jung, a young breast cancer patient, shared her experience, stating, "Before going to bed, my hands unintentionally checked my breast. As I scratched, I found a lump measuring 1.5 centimeters. Never did I imagine being concerned about my breasts in my twenties."
Pancreatic cancer is also on the rise, with Professor Liao Wei-chih from the Department of Internal Medicine at National Taiwan University Hospital noting that this trend extends beyond Taiwan to developed countries like the United States and Europe, where both occurrence and mortality rates are increasing.
To address this alarming trend, doctors have introduced the world's first AI-powered method for early detection of pancreatic cancers in Taiwan. Clinical data shows its accuracy surpassing 90% in detecting pancreatic cancers smaller than 2 centimeters, significantly raising the cure rate to 80%.
The system has received medical device approval from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration and is set for an official introduction at National Taiwan University Hospital later this year.
Doctors also caution about the heightened risk of pancreatic cancer associated with the "three highs": high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high blood lipids. Professor Liao Wei-chih emphasized that previous research indicates a 14% increase in the overall risk of pancreatic cancer for every 10-unit rise in fasting blood sugar.
The rising prevalence of cancer among younger individuals highlights the importance of a dual approach: utilizing advanced medical technology for early detection and fostering a commitment to a healthy lifestyle as a defense against cancer threats.