Free H. pylori Tests Launch to Combat Stomach Cancer in Taiwan

The Taiwanese government is initiating a program to provide free H. pylori stool antigen tests for individuals aged 45 to 74, starting on January 1, 2024. This initiative, announced by the Health Promotion Administration (HPA), aims to facilitate early detection of stomach cancer, significantly improving survival rates.

Stomach cancer is a pressing health issue in Taiwan, ranking as the seventh leading cause of cancer deaths. According to HPA data, there are over 4,000 new cases diagnosed each year, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of gastric cancer cases are connected to infection by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can cause serious gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers and cancer.

The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed at early stages (stage 0 and 1) exceeds 75 percent. Conversely, this rate plummets to below 10 percent for those diagnosed at a late stage (stage 4). Early detection through the H. pylori test is crucial, as highlighted by Professor Lee Yi-chia from the National Taiwan University Hospital. He emphasized that the prevalence of H. pylori infection among adults over 20 years old is around 30 percent.

The testing program is designed to encourage individuals in the target age group to take proactive steps towards their health. The testing method is non-invasive, with options including a C-13 urea breath test, stool antigen test, or serology test. For more invasive cases, gastroscopy tissue sampling may be required.

Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Chuang Jen-hsiang shared his personal experience with H. pylori infection, having been diagnosed with a gastric ulcer in 2014 after undergoing a gastroscopy. He noted that, while he received treatment to eliminate the infection, he did not initially address the ulcer due to a lack of symptoms. Seven years later, he was diagnosed with gastric cancer, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment.

The transmission of H. pylori primarily occurs through oral-oral and fecal-oral routes. This means the bacteria can spread easily among family members or individuals who share utensils or drinks. The infection can neutralize gastric acid, leading to gastritis and potentially progressing to ulcers and cancer if left untreated.

Although a positive test result may be concerning, Chuang Jen-hsiang reassured the public that effective treatment protocols are in place to eradicate H. pylori, typically involving oral medications. The Ministry of Health and Welfare encourages individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of infection. These include maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and ensuring proper hygiene when sharing food and utensils.

This initiative reflects Taiwan’s commitment to improving public health and combating the rising incidence of stomach cancer through early detection and preventive measures.