Taipei City Government

     Dear Citizens, have you had your inspection yet? According to the 2017 Taipei City survey of the ten leading causes of death, malignant tumor (cancer) ranks top for 46 consecutive years. In 2018, a total of 5,062 deaths were caused by cancer, which took up 28.7% of the annual total deaths. 
     In order to identify cancer or other chronic diseases with no apparent symptoms as soon as possible, the Department of Health (DOH) and affiliated health service centers in 12 districts is joining hands with contracted medical clinics in Taipei City to offer a total of 116 health screening sessions for free in communities including schools, district (village) activity centers, or medical clinics starting from January 12, 2019. 
     The health inspection includes adult health and prevention services, as well as four major cancer screenings (cervical cancer, colo-rectal cancer, oral cancer, and breast cancer). Individuals that meets the stated criteria (once per 3 years for persons 40-64 years of age, once per year for persons 65 years of age or above) for screening (includes cervical cancer, colo-rectal cancer, oral cancer, and breast cancer) are welcome to participate by bringing their National Health Insurance Card.
     A total of 116 sessions are available on holiday and working days. Cancer screening and Adult health inspection are available.
     Commissioner Huang Shier-Chieg of DOH expressed that the public’s diet and living habits have been affected by western culture characterized by traits such as consuming high fat, high sugar, low fiber food with busy, long working hours and stress, while a lack of exercise and smoking or betel nut chewing habits can increase the chance of having cancer and other chronic diseases. Records show that 12,861 people took part in the 2018 united screening, with 515 cases revealing suspected abnormal growths similar to cancer. Chronic disease cases found with abnormal blood pressure had a ratio of 27.04%, while blood sugar had 19.50%, and cholesterol 46.34%. To further extend related services to the public in 2019, DOH continues the implementation of “Public Disease Prevention and Health Care Service” project promoted by the Health Promotion Administration of Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) under the Ministry of Health. Inspection services in communities and hospitals will be increased to 55 sessions and 61 sessions respectively for a total of 116 sessions. The inspection offers the public more convenient and precise screening services that promise good health to individuals fairly.
     Get inspected regularly to stay away from cancer and chronic diseases
     According to the most recent cancer registration report released by MOHW in 2016, the four major cancers that occur in Taipei were reduced compared to 2015. Taipei City Hospital Zhongxiao Branch Chief Medical Officer Kuo Li-lin said chronic disease or cancer symptoms are hardly recognizable during early stages. Patients may feel healthy and ignore regular screenings. Usually, when the symptoms appear, the sickness has already proceeded to a stage that could affect treatment effectiveness. Therefore, remember the five steps that help you prevent cancer - 1) Balanced diet, 2) Regular exercise, 3) Weight control, 4) Quit smoking or drinking, 5) Regular screening. The public should be reminded that receiving regular inspections could help identify cancer or chronic diseases at an early stage.
     Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital Preventive Medicine and Community Medicine Division assistant supervisor Yang Shu-chin said that, in order to put the three levels and five steps of prevention into action, the hospital’s medical team is cooperating with DOH, neighborhoods, and schools to further support the campaign by offering health inspections, cancer screenings, and others. Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital joined hands with DOH in 2018 for the first time to offer a united screening campaign on site. The public may reserve a time and prepare documents for inspection with a QR code or on the website beforehand. Those registered may then visit the specific location for their screening. This diverse planning offers the public a convenient and comfortable way to participate in the united health inspection service.
     DOH reminds the public that the adults eligible for health inspections and screenings for the four major cancers should take this opportunity to visit their community or nearby medical clinic to join the united inspection session. For more campaign-related details please call a medical center in one of the 12 districts of Taipei City or refer to the agency’s Chinese website - Department of Health, Taipei City Government / Key Services / Cancer Prevention / https://goo.gl/LqvG4e or call 1999 Citizen Hotline ext. 1841.