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Taiwan’s Cancer Incidence Declines for the First Time, But Underlying Health Risks Remain

According to the latest cancer registry report released by Taiwan’s Department of Health, the number of new cancer cases in 2021 decreased by 217 compared to 2020, with a total of 121,762 new cases. The overall cancer incidence rate dropped to 306.5 per 100,000 population, a decrease of 4.8 cases compared to the previous year. While this marks the first decline in Taiwan’s overall cancer incidence, the reality remains that one person is diagnosed with cancer every 4 minutes and 19 seconds. This pause in the cancer clock may be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced people’s willingness to seek cancer screenings, potentially delaying diagnosis for some patients. This article analyzes the overall cancer trends and their implications for public health.

COVID-19 Impacts Screening Rates

 The decrease in the overall number of cancer cases in 2021 requires further observation to determine if this is a sustained trend.

 

The pandemic has led to a significant decline in cancer screenings, which may result in delayed diagnosis and an increased risk of advanced-stage cancer. The government urges eligible individuals to actively participate in cancer screenings as the pandemic subsides.

Gender Differences and the Prevalence of Lung Cancer

The report reveals significant gender differences in certain types of cancer. For instance, men are 10.4 times more likely to develop oral cancer and 11.4 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer compared to women. This highlights the need for tailored screening and prevention strategies based on gender.

Regardless of gender, lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. Surprisingly, the number of non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer has surpassed that of smokers. According to a study by Chi Mei Medical Center, the male-to-female ratio of lung cancer patients has shifted from 6:4 to 5:5 in recent years. Prominent figures such as Feng Feifei, Chen Wen-hsi, and Chen Pei-qi, the wife of Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, have all been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma despite being non-smokers. In fact, approximately 90% of female lung cancer cases are not caused by smoking but may be attributed to air pollution and cooking fumes. Since lung cancer often presents with no early symptoms, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages.

The Importance of Early Detection and Prevention

Early detection and treatment significantly improve the prognosis for lung cancer. The five-year survival rate for early-stage lung cancer can reach 90%, compared to less than 10% for stage IV disease. Individuals with a family history of lung cancer are at a higher risk. Having one family member with lung cancer doubles the risk for other family members, while having two family members increases the risk fivefold, and three family members increases the risk tenfold. Taiwanese women under the age of 60 are more susceptible to APOBEC-driven lung adenocarcinoma, while women over 60 are more likely to be affected by long-term exposure to environmental factors such as air pollution and secondhand smoke. Therefore, lung cancer is not solely a smoker’s disease. Reducing exposure to carcinogens can be an effective prevention strategy.

The data underscores the importance of cancer screening, especially as lung cancer rates continue to rise. In addition to government-subsidized five-cancer screening programs, individuals concerned about their cancer risk can consider MarkerX’s AI-powered multi-cancer early detection (MCED) service. This innovative service provides accurate early cancer risk assessment within ten business days, helping individuals take proactive steps to protect their health.

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