TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Lung cancer remained the leading cause of new cancer diagnoses in Taiwan for the third consecutive year, according to the Health Ministry’s latest cancer survey, which showed a continued rise in cases driven by population aging and lifestyle factors.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare on Monday released data from the Taiwan Cancer Registry, reporting 138,051 new cancer cases in 2023, an increase of 7,758 from 2022. The nationwide age-standardized cancer incidence rate stood at 331.3 cases per 100,000 people. The median age at diagnosis for all cancers rose to 65 in 2023, one year older than in 2022.

Lung cancer ranked first in new cases, followed by colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Other cancers rounding out the top 10 were liver cancer, prostate cancer, oral cancer (oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal), thyroid cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, and endometrial cancer.

In total, 71,244 new cancer cases were recorded among men, while 66,807 were recorded among women. The ministry said early-stage cancers often present no obvious symptoms, leading many cases to be overlooked in their initial stages.

Citing the World Health Organization, the ministry said five screening methods, cervical smears, mammography, fecal blood tests, oral mucosal examinations, and low-dose computed tomography of the chest, are proven to reduce cancer mortality and improve survival rates.

Taiwan currently offers five publicly funded cancer screening services. The ministry urged eligible citizens to actively participate to enable early detection and treatment.

For lung cancer screening, men aged 45 to 74 and women aged 40 to 74 with a family history of lung cancer, as well as heavy smokers aged 50 to 74 with a smoking history of 20 pack-years or more, are advised to undergo a chest LDCT scan every two years. International research shows LDCT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by about 20% among heavy smokers.

For oral cancer, individuals aged 30 and older who chew betel nut (including former users) or smoke, as well as Indigenous people aged 18 and older who chew betel nut, are advised to receive an oral mucosal examination every two years. Data from the Health Promotion Administration show such exams can reduce oral cancer mortality by 26%.

Colorectal cancer screening is recommended every two years using a fecal blood test for individuals aged 40 to 44 with a family history of colorectal cancer and for those aged 45 to 74. The ministry said the test can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by 40% and the incidence of advanced colorectal cancer by 34%.

For cervical cancer, women aged 25 to 29 are advised to undergo a Pap smear every three years, while women aged 30 and older should be screened annually. Human papillomavirus testing is also available for women aged 35, 45, and 65. Cervical screening can reduce cervical cancer mortality by about 70%, the ministry said.

Women aged 40 to 74 are encouraged to receive a mammogram every two years for breast cancer screening. The ministry said regular mammography can reduce breast cancer mortality by 41% and the incidence of advanced breast cancer by 30%.

The ministry urged the public to seek medical attention promptly if any health abnormalities are noticed and to follow the physician recommendations for further examinations. Regular screening, it said, is key to early diagnosis and treatment.

Shen Ching-fen (沈靜芬), director-general of the Health Promotion Administration, encouraged eligible individuals to take part in screening programs. She said people can use the National Health Insurance app to check eligibility and available screening times.

The ministry added that individuals with abnormal screening results should promptly complete follow-up examinations and treatment as directed by doctors. Avoiding delays in treatment can improve survival rates and treatment outcomes.