On Thursday, DPP Legislator Wang Cheng-hsu (王正旭) and KMT Legislator Chen Ching-hui (陳菁徽) hosted a press conference with the Hope Foundation for Cancer Care, which called on the government to review the effectiveness of oral cancer-related policies and care plans. Officials from the Health Ministry who attended said they will continue to strengthen cross-department cooperation in order to address this public health issue.
Oral cancer ranks sixth among the top ten causes of cancer death in Taiwan. Those who chew betel nuts, smoke, and drink alcohol are considered high risk for this type of cancer. However, 15% of the 8,200 new diagnoses of oral cancer annually are atypical, meaning they occur in individuals with none of these habits.
Poor oral hygiene, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, recurrent mouth ulcers, and the frequent consumption of high-temperature foods are the most common risk factors for atypical oral cancer. Hope Foundation for Cancer Care Vice Chairman Dr. Luo Sheng-dean (羅盛典) reminded the public to be vigilant about their own health and conduct regular oral mucosal examinations.
Dr. Chang Yung-min (張雍敏), director of the Health Ministry’s Department of Oral Health, said that the ministry has produced manuals and promotional videos and distributed them to public health bureaus throughout Taiwan. He also reminded the public to get teeth cleanings and other checkups. In particular, he said cancer patients, kidney dialysis patients, and persons over 65 years of age should have their health assessed every three months.