Taipei City Government

On March 7, Mayor Ko Wen-je kicked off the “Taipei Cancer Screening Network” at city hall with a view to safeguarding citizens’ health by incorporating resources of the city’s medical institutions, medical associations, and NGOs.

Cancer, accounting for over 28 percent of the island’s mortality rate, is the leading cause of death in Taiwan for 33 years in a row. It is also at the top of the list for Taipei City for 42 years straight. However, Ko pointed out that early diagnosis is key to boosting cancer patients’ survival rates, citing his wife’s example.

Ko reckoned that the city needs to review cancer screening schedules for residents. He hopes the Department of Health (DOH)’s initiative for implementing the “Taipei Cancer Screening Network” will help extend life expectancy of residents and improve their quality of life.

According to DOH Commissioner Huang Shier-chieg, WHO has indicated that screening can effectively reduce mortalities resulting from cervical, breast, colon and oral cancers. Through proactive roles in disseminating cancer prevention knowledge and providing community-based consultation services, he believes that the city government can help raise public awareness on the importance of scheduled screening.

National Taiwan University Hospital Vice Superintendent Chiang Bor-luen reckoned that the institution will take measures in line with the initiative, such as establishing a cancer screening area to facilitate examination process and putting in place a single-window to assist people who test positive for follow-up treatment and referral.

To learn more about the city’s cancer screening resources, please visit http://health.gov.taipei/Default.aspx?tabid=657 (Chinese) or call the 1999 Citizen Hotline, ext. 1841 or 1829.