HOPE Foundation and Taiwan's Top Lung Cancer Experts Call for Seamless Integration of Early Screening, Precision Diagnostics, and Early Treatment
Taiwan's proactive approach to lung cancer prevention is recognized globally for its vision and effectiveness. In July 2022, the government launched the Lung Cancer Early Detection Program, offering biannual low-dose CT (LDCT) screenings for high-risk groups, including those with a family history of lung cancer and heavy smokers. This pioneering initiative has positioned Taiwan as an international role model in lung cancer prevention. Over the past three years, more than 210,000 screenings have led to the identification of 2,506 lung cancer cases—over 80% of which were diagnosed at an early stage, with late-stage diagnoses dropping sevenfold. Previously, late-stage diagnosis was the norm, but Taiwan's proactive policies have transformed the landscape, reversing the trend and ensuring that most initial lung cancer cases are now detected early.
During his recent visit to Taiwan, Dr. Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), commended Taiwan's National Cancer Control Program, its comprehensive cancer registry, and robust National Health Insurance (NHI) system for establishing an exemplary cancer care network. He encouraged Taiwan to further improve early lung cancer screening rates and timely access to treatment, reinforcing its status as a global public health leader. At the conference, Minister of Health and Welfare Dr. Chiu Tai-Yuan pledged ongoing cross-ministerial collaboration and policy innovation to improve early lung cancer detection and treatment. Legislator Wang Cheng-Hsu also reaffirmed his commitment to early detection and intervention, advocating for increased resources and improved legislation to ensure early-stage lung cancer patients receive comprehensive care.
Leading medical experts further emphasized Taiwan's advancements. Dr. Yang, Pan-Chyr, Academician of Academia Sinica, highlighted how the LDCT screening program has driven a shift toward earlier-stage diagnosis, with research indicating it could reduce lung cancer mortality by 53%. Dr. Chen Chien-Jen, Academician of Academia Sinica emphasized that the next key challenge is ensuring early-stage patients benefit from precision diagnostics and early treatment. Dr. Yang Cheng-Ta, President of the Taiwan Lung Cancer Society, added that emerging AI technology is now capable of analyzing LDCT images to predict an individual's six-year cancer risk, which will improve identification of high-risk groups and support early intervention. Dr. Yang Chih-Hsin, President of Taiwan Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, urged early-stage patients to undergo genetic testing promptly, enabling medical teams to tailor optimal treatment plans, including surgery, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy as adjuvant treatments.
HOPE called for NHI resources to shift toward early lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of genetic testing and adjuvant therapy for high-risk early-stage patients to reduce relapse and mortality. Clinical evidence shows that adjuvant targeted therapy after surgery for stage IB–IIIA lung cancer with EGFR mutations can reduce five-year mortality by 10%, which is vital for improving outcomes and easing the burden on the healthcare system. Dr. Chen Jin-Shing, Head of Thoracic Surgery Division at National Taiwan University Hospital, advocated for priority reimbursement of adjuvant targeted therapy for patients with stage IB-IIIA lung cancer, while Dr. Chen Chih-Yi, Board Member of HOPEemphasized the importance of improving access to early genetic testing and treatment. Dr. Huang, Ming-Shyan, President of the Taiwan Clinical Oncology Society, pointed out that early-stage lung cancer treatment in Taiwan is not yet fully aligned with international guidelines, and urged that expanded screening must be matched with optimized NHI resource allocation and improved treatment access.
Other leading voices reinforced the need for comprehensive care. Dr. Wang Chin-Chou, Board Member of Taiwan Society of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, stressed that while surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage lung cancer, it must be accompanied by proactive adjuvant therapy strategies and long-term follow-up. Dr. Chang Wen-Cheng, CEO of Taiwan Cancer Foundation emphasized that the integration of screening, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial to truly realize early detection and treatment, as well as maximizing the value of screening program. Dr. Chen Jen-Shi, President of Taiwan Oncology Society, recommended that in addition to current NHI and Cancer Drug Fund financing, the government should promote diverse payment mechanisms—such as co-payment models or commercial insurance to supplement the NHI system—to further improve access to early lung cancer treatment.
Uniting multiple lung cancer treatment experts from medical centers across Taiwan, a concerted effort to usher in a new era of early lung cancer screening and treatment. (Listed by institution from North to South)
· Dr. Chen Yu-Min, Director of General Chest Medicine Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
· Dr. Lee Kang-Yun, Attending Physician, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital
· Dr. Huang Chun-Yao, Attending Physician, Division of Chest Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital
· Dr. Tsai Chen-Liang, Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Tri-Service General Hospital
· Dr. Yeh Yu-Wen, Physician, Division of Thoracic Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital
· Dr. Chang Sheng-Yu, Attending Physician and Leader of the Lung Cancer Team, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital
· Dr. Yang Tsung-Ying, Director of General Chest Medicine Department, Taichung Veterans General Hospital
· Dr. Hsia Te-Chun, Deputy Director, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital
· Dr. Lin Chien-Chung, Attending Physician, Division of Chest Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital
Hashtag: #HOPEFoundation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hope Foundation For Cancer Care
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Thai princess on 'continuous' treatment to stabilise blood pressure
The Thai king's eldest daughter, gravely ill in hospital for more than two years, is receiving "continuous" treatment to stabilise her blood pressure because of a severe infection, the palace said on Tuesday. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol has been unconscious in hospital since falling ill due to heart problems in December 2022 during a dog training session. The Bureau of the Royal Household gave the first update on her condition in more than two years on Friday, saying she had suffered a "severe" blood infection. A second update issued on Tuesday said doctors were closely monitoring her condition. "The medical team said that she remains in a state of low blood pressure, requiring continuous treatment," the statement from the Bureau of the Royal Household said. "Doctors are administering medication to stabilise her blood pressure, along with medical equipment and antibiotics to support kidney function and breathing." Known in Thailand as "Princess Bha", the 46-year-old is the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the only child from his first marriage. Educated in Britain, the United States and Thailand, Bajrakitiyabha has held a number of positions with the United Nations and has campaigned for better treatment of women in prisons. She is seen as close to her father, and was appointed to a senior role in his bodyguard command a year before her hospitalisation. The 73-year-old king, who has seven children from four marriages, has not announced his chosen heir, though succession rules favour men. Strict rules govern what can and cannot be said about the Thai royal family, who are protected from criticism by lese-majeste laws which carry prison sentences of up to 15 years per charge.
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Zawya
Asia Pacific Employers Lead in Health, Wellbeing Personalisation and Governance: Aon Study
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 August 2025 - Aon plc (NYSE: AON) has released its 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study, spotlighting Asia Pacific (APAC) as a region driving innovation in employee benefits strategy. With 518 global HR professionals and 103 APAC-headquartered companies participating, the study reveals a strong regional focus on employee health, personalisation and governance—setting APAC apart from global peers. "As organisations navigate economic uncertainty and rising employee expectations, the ability to deliver personalised, equitable and cost-effective benefits is a strategic differentiator," said Tim Dwyer, head of Human Capital for APAC at Aon. "Our survey signals APAC is leading the way in aligning benefits strategy with workforce needs. Through innovative, data-driven analytic programmes, businesses are building resilient, future-ready programs for their workforce." Key Findings for APAC 1. Health and productivity a strategic priority APAC is the only region to rank "health and productivity of employees" among its top five strategic priorities. This reflects the region's reliance on service labour and the outsized impact of workforce wellbeing on global supply chains. 2. Personalisation gains ground Thirty-two percent of leading multinationals participating in the survey have global guidelines requiring local markets to introduce benefit choice. APAC firms, in particular, are more likely to offer flexibility in annual leave and career development, aligning with employee preferences. Moreover, 65 percent of employees at multinational firms are willing to sacrifice current benefits for better personalisation. 3. Technology-enabled benefits delivery Sixty percent of leading multinationals (that is multinationals who have a global benefits strategy, an effective governance framework that is formally adopted and endorsed by senior management, reviewed and updated on a periodic basis and access to comprehensive data in most countries) rely heavily on technology to deliver personalised benefits experiences. APAC companies are early adopters of artificial intelligence (AI) for benefits selection and wellbeing support, with 28 percent planning to implement AI-driven solutions. 4. Cost containment remains central Thirty-one percent of companies from the global survey are considering remarketing or changing providers, though only 37 percent are investing in wellbeing initiatives, suggesting a gap between strategic intent and execution. 5. Governance and strategy execution Leading APAC organisations are three times more likely to have formal governance committees and senior management endorsement of their global benefits strategy and are 2.5 times more likely to have global benefit guidelines outlining preferred design and financing approaches. "Health and productivity of the workforce are crucial, and the large size of the populations in this region means that small changes can have a large impact," said Alan Oates, head of global benefits for APAC at Aon. "Prioritising health and productivity of employees reflects the critical importance of workforce in the region to the supply chain for many multinational organisations. Organisations across the region must continue to adapt their employee benefits strategies to meet evolving workforce expectations and economic challenges as they strive to remain competitive. This study underscores the importance of aligning benefits strategy with workforce needs while managing manage rising costs and governance complexity — especially in a region as diverse as APAC." About the Study: The 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study surveyed HR leaders with global responsibilities across multiple regions. The findings provide a comprehensive view of how multinational companies are evolving their benefits strategies to remain competitive in a complex global environment. Download the full report: Aon 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study Hashtag: #Aon The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Aon Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up to date by visiting Aon's newsroom and sign up for news alerts here. Disclaimer The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research. Aon
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Bupa Hong Kong Connects More Customers to Flexible and Affordable Outpatient Care with Blua Health Pass
Blua Health Pass promotes everyday wellness by making outpatient care more accessible across digital and in-person touchpoints, under Bupa's commitment to Together for Your Health HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 August 2025 - To more effectively meet the evolving needs of healthcare customers in Hong Kong, Bupa Hong Kong is now launching Blua Health Pass, a subscription-based outpatient healthcare solution designed to deliver accessible local care. This programme empowers individuals to take control of their health with ease, flexibility and affordability. With plans starting at just HK$250, Blua Health Pass connects customers to preventative care that meets the everyday wellness needs of today's workforce and health-conscious individuals. Developed to provide greater choice, Blua Health Pass offers seamless access to a wide range of outpatient services across digital and physical touchpoints—making it even more convenient to book appointments with general practitioners, specialists, Traditional Chinese Medical practitioners and physiotherapists. Customers can also track health progress, complete health missions and receive wellness recommendations available through the Blua Health app. Blua Health, Hong Kong's leading one-stop AI-powered mobile app, offers a range of digitally-enabled services including video consultations and ePharmacy¹, rewards for health missions, insurance management², and claims and other results review. Three New Plans to Support Everyday Healthcare Needs Blua Health Pass³ offers three levels of protection, with exclusive rates of up to 67% on standard service fees at around 380 service points and more than 20 specialties across Hong Kong. Customers can take advantage of priority eBooking on the Blua Health App for less wait time, AI-powered health assessments, digital prescription ordering and healthy living rewards. The three plans include: Blua Health Pass Lite, priced at HK$250, is ideal for individuals exploring Bupa's network healthcare services. Moving up, the Blua Health Pass Plus is available for HK$780 per year, catering to those who seek more frequent healthcare interactions, providing greater access and savings on a variety of services. The most comprehensive offering is the Blua Health Pass Flex, which costs HK$1,800 annually. This premium option is intended for individuals requiring broad and frequent access to outpatient care. Subscribers to the Flex plan can enjoy up to 15 outpatient visits per year, with co-payments ranging from HK$60 to HK$120. The plan covers a wide range of services, including general practice and specialist consultations, physiotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as diagnostic imaging, lab tests, vaccinations, and more. Yuman Chan, General Manager of Bupa Insurance Business in Hong Kong, said, "Blua Health Pass helps to fill the outpatient medical needs for individuals without comprehensive insurance: whether they are freelancing, working for a startup, retired, or simply seeking an easier and more affordable way to access everyday care. Members can also stay in control of their healthcare management anytime, anywhere, and fully harness technology to integrate health into everyday life whilst making preventative care more affordable." Sign up for your preferred Blua Health Pass on Blua Health App today. Click this link to subscribe in just five minutes and begin enjoying accessible local care, priority in outpatient appointment bookings and exclusive rates: ¹Video consultation and ePharmacy features are provided by our medical service provider. ²Insurance management services are offered through myBupa feature of Blua Health. myBupa is offered, distributed and operated by Bupa (Asia) Limited. Blua Health is not a licensed insurance agent of Bupa (Asia) Limited, nor does it represent Bupa to conduct any insurance activities. The fact that Blua Health provides myBupa feature does not constitute and should not be construed as Blua Health conducting any Regulated Activities as defined by the Insurance Ordinance, Chapter 41 of the Laws of Hong Kong, or any insurance activities. ³Blua Health Pass is a subscription-based membership scheme offered, distributed and operated by Blua (Asia) Services Limited, a company registered in Hong Kong under the Bupa Group. Blua Health Pass is not an insurance product. Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to our product leaflet for more details. Hashtag: #Bupa #BupaHongKong #保柏 #保柏香港 #BluaHealthPass #BluaHealth通行證 #healthcare #日常保健 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Bupa – An international health insurance specialist Established in 1947, Bupa's purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We are an international healthcare company serving over 60 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest profits into providing more and better healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers. Bupa has businesses around the world, principally in Australia, the UK, Spain, Poland, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, India, Türkiye, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand. We also have associate businesses in Saudi Arabia. Bupa has been a health insurance specialist in Hong Kong since 1976, offering one-stop solutions across domestic and international health insurance, and healthcare services. Our comprehensive medical insurance schemes are tailored to meet individual needs, and we provide health solutions for companies of all sizes. We also have a team of registered nurses, health management professionals, and doctors who provide various expert healthcare support. Our healthcare provision arm, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS), became part of Bupa in October 2013. QHMS offers Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Dental, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and Wellness services via a network of over 1,650 provider service points in Hong Kong. For more information, visit Bupa Hong Kong
