Specialties:
Chronic Disease Management, General Medical Care, Palliative and Hospice Medicine, Preventive Healthcare.

A Gentle Conversation About Six Major Cancer Screenings and Adult Health Checks

In the midst of busy days, please promise your future self a gift named "Well-being."

Preface: Listening to the Voice of Your Body

We often speak of "peaceful years," but this serenity is built upon the foundation of physical and mental stability. Living in a fast-paced modern society, we are accustomed to listening to the demands of work and the expectations of family, yet we rarely settle down to listen to the subtle whispers of our own bodies.

A health check-up is not about looking for illness; it is a deep conversation with your body—a wisdom of life that believes "prevention is better than cure."

With the arrival of 2026, the Health Promotion Administration (Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan) has demonstrated deeper care for public health by fully revolutionizing the policies for "Adult Preventive Care" and "Six Major Cancer Screenings." This reform significantly lowers the age threshold for screenings and expands eligibility. This means the nation and the medical system are ready to become the gentle guardians of your health at an earlier stage in your life.

Chapter 1: Establishing Yourself at Thirty – Starting with Understanding Yourself

(Adult Preventive Care)

There is an old saying: "At thirty, one stands firm." From the perspective of modern medicine, age 30 is indeed a significant physiological watershed. In the past, we thought metabolic syndrome was an issue for middle age, but with westernized diets and life stress, subtle changes in the body often occur unnoticed.

Starting from 2025, services originally targeting those over 40 formally extended their reach to the 30-year-old demographic. In 2026, a sixth cancer screening has been added.

This is a sincere invitation from the nation. If you are between the ages of 30 and 39, you are entitled to a free comprehensive health assessment every five years. This is not just a blood or urine test; it is an opportunity to review your lifestyle.

The Deeper Meaning of the Check-up: This assessment covers Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and liver/kidney function. These seemingly cold numbers are actually the report card of your body's metabolic function. The screening for Hepatitis B and C (once in a lifetime for ages 45-79) is the key to preventing liver cancer.

Through this data, physicians can help you draw a blueprint for health. Do you need to adjust your diet? Do you need to increase exercise? Before a disease takes shape, we can gracefully turn around and walk towards a healthier path.

• 30-39 Years Old: Once every 5 years (New 2025 Policy)
• 40-64 Years Old: Once every 3 years
• 65 Years and Over: Once every year

Chapter 2: Six Major Cancer Screenings – Building a Safety Net for Life

Cancer was once an unspeakable pain for many families. However, modern medicine tells us that if discovered early, cure rates for most cancers are quite optimistic. Screening is about catching those subtle abnormalities during the "asymptomatic" period.

The core of the policy is "Expansion" and "Earliness." Starting in 2026, a sixth cancer screening has been added:

1. Lung Cancer Screening: Finding Clarity in Every Breath

(Low-Dose Computed Tomography - LDCT)

The lungs are where the breath of life is exchanged. Lung cancer has long been the leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan, often ignored due to a lack of early symptoms. LDCT is currently the only tool proven to detect lung cancer early.

[Gentle Guardianship Eligibility] The government has lowered the threshold for two major groups:

• Family Ties: If your parents, children, or siblings have had lung cancer.
• Men: From age 45
• Women: From age 40
• Trace of Smoking: Heavy smokers (including those who quit less than 15 years ago).
• Age 50-74 with a smoking history of 20 pack-years (relaxed from the previous 30 pack-years).

This is a scan that requires simply lying down for a few minutes, uses no contrast dye, and has very low radiation. For the sake of those who love you, please give your lungs a chance for a clear view.

2. Breast Cancer Screening: Embracing Female Confidence

(Mammography)

Breasts are a symbol of feminine gentleness, but they also require firm protection. Although breast cancer incidence is high, survival rates are excellent with early detection. Many women hesitate due to fear of pain, but a few seconds of pressure brings two years of peace of mind.

[Gentle Guardianship Eligibility]

• Women aged 40 to 74: Once every 2 years.

This means that starting at age 40, you possess the right to this government-funded screening. Please view this as a concrete practice of self-love.

3. Colorectal Cancer Screening: Purifying Within

(Fecal Occult Blood Test)

The gut is the body's second brain. Colorectal cancer often evolves from polyps. Through a simple non-invasive test, we can intercept polyps before they turn cancerous.

[Gentle Guardianship Eligibility]

• Age 45 to 74: Once every 2 years (Lowered to 45 starting in 2025).
• Family History Clause: If a first-degree relative has a history of colorectal cancer, screening is available from age 40.

No complex bowel preparation is needed; simply collect a small sample at home.

4. Cervical Cancer Screening: Blooming Vitality

(Pap Smear + HPV Test)

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be completely prevented through screening and vaccines.

[Gentle Guardianship Eligibility]

• Women over 25: Lowered age limit.
• 25-29 years old: Once every 3 years.
• Over 30 years old: Once every year.
• HPV Bonus Test: For women aged 35, 45, and 65, the government has added a funded Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test. This high-precision test detects the virus one step earlier.

5. Oral Cancer Screening: Guarding the Taste of Life

(Oral Mucosal Examination)

For friends who smoke or chew betel nut, changes in the oral mucosa are often the weathervane of health.

[Gentle Guardianship Eligibility]

• Over 30 with a habit of smoking or chewing betel nut (including those who have quit betel nut).
• Over 18 for Indigenous people who chew betel nut.
• Frequency: Once every 2 years.

6. Stomach Cancer Screening: Savoring Flavors without Fear

(Helicobacter Pylori Test)

The stomach is the frontline where we perceive the sweetness and bitterness of life. In Taiwan, stomach cancer is closely linked to Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacteria is an invisible tenant in the stomach; long-term residence can cause chronic inflammation and even cancer.

[Gentle Guardianship Eligibility] To let you enjoy every meal with peace of mind, in 2026 the government officially included stomach cancer screening in routine subsidies, aiming to "prevent cancer by eliminating bacteria."

• Age 45 to 74: One free screening in a lifetime.
• Method: Non-invasive "Stool Antigen Test."

This is a restoration project for "inner balance." Eliminate potential pathogens so your stomach can return to tranquility.

Chapter 3: Booking a Date with Health

By now, perhaps the thought "I should go for a check-up" has sprouted in your mind. Please do not let this thought flee. In 2026, medical convenience has greatly improved.

1. Bring ID: You only need your NHI Card (National Health Insurance Card).
2. Check Eligibility: Download the "NHI App" (全民健保行動快易通), log into "Health Bank" (健康存摺), and the system will clearly list the screenings you qualify for.
3. Visit a Clinic: Medical institutions across Taiwan displaying the "NHI Contracted" (健保特約) sign can provide adult health checks and some cancer screenings.

Please mark this day on your calendar, not as a "to-do list" item, but as a "festival." After the check-up, buy yourself flowers or drink a cup of good tea to thank your body for its hard work over the years.

Conclusion: Foreseeing Health is the Vision of the Wise

Health is not a given; it is the result of mindful management. The new policies of 2026 are resources provided by the nation and a reminder from the times—reminding us that while pursuing excellence, we must not forget to look back and care for the body that supports it all.

Whether you are a young adult just past thirty, a pillar of society in your prime, or a senior enjoying your golden years, please take advantage of this professional courtesy.

May you gain peace of mind in every screening. May your years be serene, and your body be well.

[Physician’s Warm Reminder] If you have any questions about screening eligibility or would like to understand the detailed inspection process, please visit the counter of your nearest medical institution. Professional medical staff will provide guidance with the utmost kindness.

(This article is compiled based on the latest policy announcements from the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, for 2025 and 2026)

("This chart summarizes the latest eligibility requirements for 'Free Health Check-ups' and the 'Six Major Cancer Screenings.')

Key Highlights of the New Policy: The age for Adult Preventive Care has been lowered to 30, the starting ages for breast and colorectal cancer screenings have been moved earlier, and a new Helicobacter pylori screening (for stomach cancer prevention) has been added.

Please check your age group to claim this 'gift of health' from the nation, and don’t forget to forward this to the friends and family you care about!"