Image Credit: Taiwan News
Taiwan’s health ministry will expand its free breast cancer screenings in 2024 to enhance early detection of the disease, which was the second leading cause of death among women last year. The screening age range will be widened to include women aged 40 to 75, compared to the current 45 to 70 age group, reflecting the fact that most breast cancer cases are diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 69, according to a ministry press release on September 5.
Women aged 45 to 70 are advised to undergo screenings every two years, while those aged 40 to 45 with a family history of breast cancer should do the same. Despite the disease’s prevalence, nearly 35% of women in the 40 to 70 age bracket have never had a breast cancer screening.
In 2023, screenings were conducted for 923,000 women, detecting over 5,390 cases of breast cancer. Nearly 60% of these diagnoses were made through screenings, underscoring the procedure’s effectiveness. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, with a five-year survival rate of up to 90% when the disease is caught in its early stages.
The ministry also highlighted several risk factors for breast cancer, including early menstruation, late menopause, childbirth after the age of 30, smoking, and a family history of the disease. In addition to regular screenings, women are urged to monitor their breasts for any abnormal changes and seek medical advice promptly.