[The Epoch Times, March 23, 2023](Reported by Epoch Times reporter Xu Naiyi, Taiwan Taoyuan) Starting from February 23, 2023, Taoyuan City will provide free low-dose pulmonary Computed tomography (LDCT), qualified citizens can go to the lung cancer screening appointment platform (website:https://health.tychb.gov.tw/tyhpPublic/) to apply for an appointment. In the first month, 3,415 applications were filed, 1,830 appointments were completed, and 744 inspections were completed. Among them, small nodules were found in 8 cases and required further follow-up. Another person found enlarged pancreatic vesicles through low-dose computerized tomography examination and has been diagnosed. Referral for treatment.
Taoyuan City is currently cooperating with 14 hospitals to provide free lung cancer screening services. The service targets are those with four categories: “Smoking Product Exposure”, “Related Disease History and Family History”, “Occupational Exposure” and “Air Pollution and Oil Fume”. Citizens with risk factors, the number of applicants are 819 (24%), 287 (8.4%), 133 (3.9%) and 2176 (63.7%). Those who meet the qualifications have successively made appointments for inspection.
Lung cancer ranks first in cancer mortality in Taiwan and Taoyuan City. The high mortality rate and low survival rate of lung cancer patients are mainly related to the diagnosis stage of lung cancer. According to the Health Bureau, the current 5-year survival rate of the first stage of lung cancer is nearly 90%, but that of the fourth stage drops to 10%. LDCT examination can effectively detect lung cancer early and reduce the lung cancer mortality rate of heavy smokers by 20%. Because lung cancer may not have obvious symptoms in the early stage, regular screening is encouraged for high-risk groups so that early detection and early treatment can be achieved.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has a low radiation dose and does not require contrast agent injection. It only takes 2 to 5 minutes to scan the entire lung and find nodules smaller than 1 cm. Although it is possible to find early lung cancer through LDCT, not all lung cancers can be diagnosed early. In addition, 95% of the lung nodules detected by LDCT may be benign. If the lung nodules are detected, the public should not worry too much, and should follow the doctor’s advice to arrange medical treatment.
The Health Bureau appeals that for the sake of your own health, you still have the courage to refuse and quit smoking, maintain a good lifestyle, strengthen self-protection, and reduce the threat of disease. For more information regarding lung cancer screening, please visit the homepage of the Health Bureau of Taoyuan City Government, or call the Health Bureau’s expanded lung cancer screening consultation service hotline 03-334-0345. ◇
Responsible editor: Huang Shan
