Gangshan Branch of Zuoying Armed Forces General Hospital

Start the new year by prioritizing your health! Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Taiwan, with 17,643 new cases diagnosed in 2022, according to Health Promotion Administration (HPA). To enhance early detection, Taiwan is expanding its colorectal cancer screening program. Starting in 2025, free fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is now available once every two years for individuals aged 45 to 74 and those aged 40 to 44 with a family history of colorectal cancer. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, making regular screening an important tool in the fight against colorectal cancer. In addition to screening, a well-balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to maintaining good gut health. Take advantage of the screening resources available to you and protect your health today!

Expanded Screening: Higher Survival Rate with Early Detection

Colorectal cancer often goes unnoticed in its early-stage because it typically has no obvious symptoms. However, regular FIT enables early detection, allowing timely intervention to prevent or control cancer progression. Cancer registry data from 2009 to 2022 showed an upward trend in colorectal cancer incidence among people aged 45 to 49. Evidence indicated that regular screening, combined with early diagnosis and timely treatment, reduced the incidence of late stage colorectal cancer by 29% and mortality by 35%. Additionally, the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed at stages 0 and 1 exceeded 90%. The HPA of the Ministry of Health and Welfare is expanding its colorectal cancer screening service starting January 1, 2025. The service extends free biennial FIT screening from individuals aged 50 to 74 to those aged 45 to 74. In addition, individuals aged 40 to 44 with a family history of colorectal cancer (diagnosed in parents, offspring, or siblings) are also eligible.

HPA Director-General Chao-Chun Wu encouraged all eligible people who have not undergone FIT in the past two years to get screened as soon as possible. Regular screening is crucial, and if abnormalities are found, a follow-up colonoscopy exam should be arranged as soon as possible. Any polyps found can then be removed before they progress to precancerous lesions. To check screening eligibility and the date of the last exam, individuals can use the NHI App (My Health Bank) . For more information on cancer screening programs and medical facilities, visit the National Cancer Screening Programs and Hospital Information website: https://escreening.hpa.gov.tw/Home .

Easy Home Testing for a Stress-Free Health Check

The FIT is a simple, non-invasive screening that requires no dietary restrictions. Eligible individuals can visit a NHI-contracted hospital/clinic, present their National Health Insurance card, and receive a collection tube. The test can be conveniently performed at home – just follow four simple steps – then return the sample for analysis. HPA would like to remind all eligible citizens to take advantage of the government-subsidized FIT screening every two years and prioritize their health with this convenient at-home test. Simply follow the four steps below to keep an eye on your health!

1. Collect the Sampling Tube: Visit NHI partner hospital/clinic, present your NHI card, receive the collection tube and write your name.
2. Bowel Movement: Lay toilet paper on the inside of a sitting toilet then perform a bowel movement to leave the stool on the dry part inside the toilet bowel. Alternatively, perform the bowel movement on a newspaper. Now, collect the test sample.
3. Collect Fecal Sample: Rotate the collection tube cap then pull the collection scoop up and out. Do not empty the water inside the tube. Gently scrape the surface of the stool with the scoop several times, then insert the scoop back inside the tube and close it tightly.
4. Return: Return the collection tube to the hospital/clinic for testing.

Dietary Tips for the Lunar New Year: Protect Your Gut with “3 More’s, 3 Less’s, 3 No’s”

Colorectal cancer risk is closely linked to lifestyle and diet. To stay healthy during the Lunar New Year, the HPA recommends following the “3 More’s, 3 Less’s, 3 No’s” dietary principle:

More: more fruits and vegetables, more water, more exercise;

Less: less salt, less red meat, less sauce;

No: no skin, no fat, and no charring.

Enjoying great food during the holidays while making healthier choices─increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, limit red and processed meats, and continue to engage in regular exercise. Going for a walk or taking an outdoor trip with family and friends during the Lunar New Year holidays to help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and wish your bowels a happy new year.

Data URL link：https://www.hpa.gov.tw/EngPages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=1051&pid=18910