Many people are startled and saddened by the departure of a super idol singer due to breast cancer. According to the statistics of the MOHW Health Promotion Administration, the number of people receiving cancer screening and other preventive health care services has decreased by 16% in the past two years. The tracking rate of suspected positive cases after screening has also decreased by 2%. The Department of Public Health, Taoyuan (DOPH) calls on the general public to get fully vaccinated in the face of COVID-19, and also not to forget four important cancer screening tests and health-related self-care. The four cancer screening tests are available for free at 508 medical institutions and 13 district public health centers in Taoyuan City. Integrated health screening has also recently commenced in communities, enabling city residents to complete cancer examinations nearby.
Director-general Wang Wen-Yan said that people tend to bury their heads in the sand, avoiding undergoing the four cancer screening tests and not finding out that they have cancer, thus missing out the golden period for treatment. In particular, women may refuse to undergo screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer, because the tests make them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Common colorectal cancer and oral cancers that occur in men are mistaken for regular physical discomfort and are often overlooked. Taking breast cancer screening as an example, subsidies cover women 45-69 years old or those 40-44 years old within the second degree of kinship of those who have contracted breast cancer before. These women may undergo an examination once every two years.
With the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, 13 district public health centers under the Department of Public Health, Taoyuan have conducted integrated health screening services in communities since July. The Department of Public Health, Taoyuan calls on city residents to start take care of themselves by undergoing cancer screening. It only takes a little time to ensure the health and happiness of the entire family. For cancer screening related information, visit the health screening area of the DOPH (https://health.tychb.gov.tw/tyhpPublic/) or the 13 district public health centers to make inquiries.