Free H. Pylori Tests Launch to Combat Stomach Cancer Risks

The government of Taiwan is initiating a public health program to reduce the risk of stomach cancer by offering free tests for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Starting on January 1, 2024, individuals aged 45 to 74 will have access to a one-time, publicly funded H. pylori stool antigen test. This initiative aims to enhance early detection, which is crucial given that the five-year survival rate for early-stage diagnoses exceeds 75 percent.

According to the Health Promotion Administration (HPA), approximately 80 to 90 percent of gastric cancer cases are linked to H. pylori infections. Stomach cancer currently ranks as the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the ninth most common cancer type in Taiwan, with over 4,000 new cases diagnosed each year and more than 2,000 deaths attributed to the disease.

Lee Yi-chia, a professor of internal medicine at the National Taiwan University Hospital, emphasizes that early detection is vital, as the survival rate for cancers diagnosed at stage 0 and 1 is significantly higher compared to late-stage diagnoses. If stomach cancer is detected at stage 4, the five-year survival rate drops to below 10 percent.

The HPA highlights the importance of testing, as H. pylori infection is the primary risk factor for stomach cancer. Professor Lee notes that the infection is prevalent among adults aged 20 and older, affecting roughly 30 percent of this demographic. The infection can be diagnosed through various methods, including a non-invasive C-13 urea breath test, stool antigen tests, serology (blood antibody) tests, and invasive gastroscopy tissue sampling.

Chuang Jen-hsiang, Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, shared his personal journey with H. pylori and gastric ulcers, recounting his diagnosis after undergoing a gastroscopy in 2014. Despite being treated for the infection, he later faced a diagnosis of gastric cancer in 2021 due in part to the overlooked symptoms of his ulcer. His experience underscores the necessity of early intervention and regular testing.

H. pylori is primarily transmitted through oral-oral and fecal-oral routes, making it easily spread among individuals who share eating utensils or drinks. Professor Lee explains that the bacteria can neutralize gastric acid and lead to gastritis, ultimately resulting in peptic ulcers and potentially progressing to precancerous lesions or gastric cancer.

Fortunately, the risk associated with H. pylori can be significantly minimized through effective treatment. The Ministry of Health and Welfare reassures the public that clear treatment guidelines exist for eradicating the bacteria, with most cases manageable through oral medication.

To further protect themselves against stomach cancer, health officials encourage the public to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhygienic food practices. Using separate serving utensils rather than shared dishes can also help reduce the risk of transmission.

This proactive health initiative marks a significant step in Taiwan’s efforts to combat stomach cancer and improve public health outcomes through early detection and treatment of H. pylori infections.