Clipping Board » Disease & Prevention ─ Understanding diseases, prevention is better than cure.
United Daily News / Reporter Huang Wenyuan / Taipei Report / 2012.06.22
Cancer Cases Exceed 80,000 in 2009, Hitting a New Record / By Xu Hui
Westernized diets drive up colorectal cancer rates. According to statistics from the Health Promotion Administration (HPA), one in every 300 people aged 50 to 69 in Taiwan has colorectal cancer. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer in Taiwan is 1.4 times higher than in the U.S., and the mortality rate is 1.7 times higher.
Cancer has topped the list of the ten leading causes of death for 30 consecutive years, with colorectal cancer showing the most alarming growth. The HPA reports that one person is diagnosed with colorectal cancer every 42 minutes. From 2008 to 2009 alone, the number of colorectal cancer patients in Taiwan increased by 1,484. In 2009, there were 12,488 colorectal cancer cases nationwide, surpassing liver cancer (the second most common cancer) by 1,408 cases.
Statistics also reveal that urban residents have a significantly higher incidence of colorectal cancer compared to rural areas. Chiu Shu-ti, Director-General of the HPA, stated that Westernized diets are the primary reason for the surge in colorectal cancer cases. If dietary habits remain unchanged, the incidence rate in the Hualien and Taitung regions will also rise within a decade.
Red meat is commonly blamed for colorectal cancer. Paradoxically, despite Americans consuming beef and pork as dietary staples, their colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are lower than Taiwan's. The five-year survival rate in the U.S. is 64%, compared to Taiwan's 60%.
Public willingness to undergo screening is the most critical factor. Chiu Shu-ti noted that colonoscopy screenings have been widespread in the U.S. for over a decade, while Taiwan only began promoting them two years ago. The late start is not the only issue—"low public acceptance further widens the gap between the two regions."
Fecal occult blood testing is the first step in colorectal cancer screening. A positive result indicates a 1 in 20 chance of having colorectal cancer. Despite this, up to 40% of those who test positive in Taiwan refuse follow-up examinations.
"Busy schedules" and "inconvenience" are common excuses for avoiding fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies. Dr. Shen Ming-hong, a colorectal surgeon at Cathay General Hospital, said, "Most people assume they’re healthy and see no need for screening." In reality, colorectal cancer is highly treatable if detected early. Shen noted that the five-year survival rate for stage I colorectal cancer exceeds 90%, while for stage IV, it drops below 20%.
Currently, the government subsidizes biennial fecal occult blood tests for individuals aged 50 to 69. However, the screening rate remains below 40%. Chiu Shu-ti mentioned that a study has been commissioned this year to identify effective awareness strategies and improve screening participation.
While the incidence rates of liver and cervical cancers are declining annually, colorectal cancer continues to rise. Chiu emphasized that colonoscopies are time-consuming but urged the public to utilize government-funded cancer screening services. Shen Ming-hong suggested that if public attitudes don’t change, the government might consider promoting screenings during prime-time TV slots.
Source: http://udn. com/ NEWS/ HEALTH/ HEA1/ 7176597. shtml#ixzz1yVANv2bP
Shocking Stat: 1 Colorectal Cancer Case Every 42 Minutes
Cancer Cases Exceed 80,000 in 2009, Hitting a New Record / By Xu Hui
Westernized diets drive up colorectal cancer rates. According to statistics from the Health Promotion Administration (HPA), one in every 300 people aged 50 to 69 in Taiwan has colorectal cancer. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer in Taiwan is 1.4 times higher than in the U.S., and the mortality rate is 1.7 times higher.
Cancer has topped the list of the ten leading causes of death for 30 consecutive years, with colorectal cancer showing the most alarming growth. The HPA reports that one person is diagnosed with colorectal cancer every 42 minutes. From 2008 to 2009 alone, the number of colorectal cancer patients in Taiwan increased by 1,484. In 2009, there were 12,488 colorectal cancer cases nationwide, surpassing liver cancer (the second most common cancer) by 1,408 cases.
Statistics also reveal that urban residents have a significantly higher incidence of colorectal cancer compared to rural areas. Chiu Shu-ti, Director-General of the HPA, stated that Westernized diets are the primary reason for the surge in colorectal cancer cases. If dietary habits remain unchanged, the incidence rate in the Hualien and Taitung regions will also rise within a decade.
Red meat is commonly blamed for colorectal cancer. Paradoxically, despite Americans consuming beef and pork as dietary staples, their colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are lower than Taiwan's. The five-year survival rate in the U.S. is 64%, compared to Taiwan's 60%.
Public willingness to undergo screening is the most critical factor. Chiu Shu-ti noted that colonoscopy screenings have been widespread in the U.S. for over a decade, while Taiwan only began promoting them two years ago. The late start is not the only issue—"low public acceptance further widens the gap between the two regions."
Fecal occult blood testing is the first step in colorectal cancer screening. A positive result indicates a 1 in 20 chance of having colorectal cancer. Despite this, up to 40% of those who test positive in Taiwan refuse follow-up examinations.
"Busy schedules" and "inconvenience" are common excuses for avoiding fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies. Dr. Shen Ming-hong, a colorectal surgeon at Cathay General Hospital, said, "Most people assume they’re healthy and see no need for screening." In reality, colorectal cancer is highly treatable if detected early. Shen noted that the five-year survival rate for stage I colorectal cancer exceeds 90%, while for stage IV, it drops below 20%.
Currently, the government subsidizes biennial fecal occult blood tests for individuals aged 50 to 69. However, the screening rate remains below 40%. Chiu Shu-ti mentioned that a study has been commissioned this year to identify effective awareness strategies and improve screening participation.
While the incidence rates of liver and cervical cancers are declining annually, colorectal cancer continues to rise. Chiu emphasized that colonoscopies are time-consuming but urged the public to utilize government-funded cancer screening services. Shen Ming-hong suggested that if public attitudes don’t change, the government might consider promoting screenings during prime-time TV slots.
Source: http://udn. com/ NEWS/ HEALTH/ HEA1/ 7176597. shtml#ixzz1yVANv2bP