TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Executive Yuan approved a significant budget increase for cancer screening services on Thursday (July 11) to NT$6.8 billion starting next year. This move aligns with President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) "Healthy Taiwan" (健康台灣) policy, aiming to reduce cancer mortality by one-third by 2030.
The cancer screening services will be expanded to include lung cancer screenings for individuals with a 20-pack-year smoking history or a family history of lung cancer. Breast cancer screenings will be available for women aged 40-44 and 70-74. Additionally, cervical cancer screenings will cover women aged 25-29.
The expansion will also include colorectal cancer screenings for individuals aged 45-49 and those aged 40-44 with a family history of colorectal cancer. New HPV testing services will be offered to individuals aged 35, 45, and 65. Furthermore, nationwide H. pylori stool antigen testing will be available for individuals aged 45-74.
The Executive Yuan also plans to allocate NT$5 billion next year towards the Cancer New Drug Fund (癌症新藥基金), with a goal of reaching NT$10 billion by 2026. This fund will enhance access to new cancer drugs, focusing on early detection, genetic testing, and precision medicine.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) emphasized the importance of promoting public health. He urged the Ministry of Health and Welfare to integrate exercise and nutrition management into health promotion policies.
Cho also highlighted the need to incorporate AI development into policy planning to enhance efficiency. The "Healthy Taiwan" initiative aims to create a healthier populace through comprehensive and innovative health strategies.
