Taiwan’s latest cancer registry report delivers a sobering reminder: cancer is still the leading cause of death in the country, claiming 54,032 lives in 2024. Lung cancer topped the list for yet another year, followed closely by liver and colorectal cancers—a trend that highlights the growing influence of modern lifestyles, dietary habits, and environmental exposures on public health.
The Top 10 Cancer Rankings in Taiwan
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s latest data, the ten most common cancers in Taiwan are:
- Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer
- Liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer
- Colon, rectum, and anus cancer
- Female breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Oral cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Men face particularly high mortality from liver and colorectal cancers, while women are most affected by breast and colorectal malignancies. These rankings reflect not only genetic factors but also lifestyle choices and delayed diagnosis, which remain major obstacles in the fight against the disease.
Prevention Advice from Nutritionists and Doctors
Health experts stress that cancer is not entirely a matter of bad luck. Taiwanese nutritionist Kao Min-min emphasizes four practical pillars for reducing risk:
- Eat a balanced diet: Fill your plate with fresh vegetables and fruits, especially cruciferous options like broccoli and kale. These foods help activate liver detoxifying enzymes and may lower the risk of oral, colon, and breast cancers. Limiting fried foods and processed red meat is also key.
- Maintain a healthy routine: Avoid staying up late, and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Regular physical activity strengthens the immune system and reduces chronic inflammation, both of which are crucial for cancer prevention.
- Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking are leading risk factors for lung, oral, esophageal, and liver cancers. Quitting these habits remains one of the most effective prevention measures.
- Undergo regular screenings: Health checkups every two to three years, along with government-funded screening programs for breast, oral, and colorectal cancers, can catch abnormalities early when treatment is most successful.
Everyday Habits That Raise Cancer Risk
Doctors also warn that seemingly harmless daily habits can increase cancer risk. For instance, the World Health Organization classifies beverages hotter than 65°C as a probable carcinogen for esophageal cancer. Similarly, using polystyrene foam bowls for hot instant noodles may release harmful chemicals under high heat; switching to ceramic or glass containers is a safer choice. Other common risks include eating too much processed food, poor sleep patterns, and ignoring persistent bodily changes.
A Warning from a Real Patient Case
Taiwanese nutritionist Chen Kuan-jung recently shared the story of a lung cancer patient who was diagnosed with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (stage 1B) five years ago. Despite timely surgery and treatment, the patient’s condition worsened to stage 3 after five years—partly due to dietary habits that were not adjusted. The case underscores how nutrition and lifestyle continue to influence cancer progression, even after successful initial treatment.
Recognizing the Hidden Warning Signs
Dr. Huang Hsuan, a Taiwanese chest physician, points out that cancer can develop silently for years. He lists ten warning signs that are often brushed off, including persistent mouth sores, sore throat, cough, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and unusual lumps. Because many patients ignore these early signals, they are diagnosed only at advanced stages when treatment is far more difficult.
The Road Ahead
The latest statistics are a wake-up call for individuals and policymakers alike. As Taiwan’s population ages and dietary patterns continue to shift, cancer cases are expected to rise. Yet experts agree that a large proportion of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, early detection, and better public health policies. Expanding screening access and raising public awareness about everyday risk factors will be critical next steps in reducing the country’s cancer burden.