What government-subsidized cancer screenings are available? A quick guide to eligibility and frequency (five-cancer screening)
The government, through the Health Promotion Administration, provides five publicly funded cancer screenings (cervical cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, oral cancer, and lung cancer). Eligible individuals can bring their National Health Insurance card to contracted medical facilities for screening at no cost. Starting in 2025, the subsidy scope expands: lung cancer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening criteria are relaxed, and HPV testing is added for certain age groups of women. The following summarizes the target populations, ages, and frequencies for each screening, with official sources from the Health Promotion Administration. This is a neutral reference for consumers and does not represent any endorsement or evaluation of specific institutions.
FAQ
What are the five government-subsidized cancer screenings?
The five publicly funded cancer screenings provided by the Health Promotion Administration are for cervical cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, oral cancer, and lung cancer. Eligible individuals by age and risk factors can bring their NHI card to contracted medical facilities for screening at government expense. Actual eligibility is subject to the official announcements of the Health Promotion Administration.
What are the eligibility and frequency for cervical and breast cancer screenings?
Cervical cancer: Women aged 25–29 are subsidized once every 3 years; women aged 30 and above are subsidized once per year (recommended at least once every 3 years). Additionally, women aged 35, 45, and 65 can receive one HPV test in the corresponding year. Breast cancer: Women aged 40–74 are eligible for mammography once every 2 years.
What are the eligibility and frequency for colorectal and oral cancer screenings?
Colorectal cancer: Individuals aged 45–74, and those aged 40–44 with a family history, are eligible for fecal occult blood test once every 2 years. Oral cancer: Individuals aged 30 and above who chew betel quid (including former users) or smoke, and Indigenous people aged 18 and above who chew betel quid (including former users), are eligible for oral mucosal examination once every 2 years.
Who is eligible for lung cancer screening (LDCT)? What changes in 2025?
Lung cancer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is for individuals with a family history of lung cancer or heavy smokers. Starting January 2025, the criteria expand: the age threshold for those with a family history is lowered (men from 50 to 45, women from 45 to 40), and the heavy smoking history requirement is reduced from 30 pack-years to 20 pack-years (for ages 50–74 with a smoking history of ≥20 pack-years), with screening once every 2 years.
What is the difference between publicly funded cancer screening and self-paid advanced health check-ups?
Publicly funded cancer screenings are subsidized by the government for specific cancer types and risk groups, with fixed eligibility and frequency. Self-paid health check-ups (e.g., imaging, tumor markers, comprehensive assessment) cover a broader range of tests and are chosen based on individual needs and budget. The two are different in nature and can complement each other. It is recommended to discuss appropriate options with a physician. This site provides a neutral compilation of public information.
Where can I check screening eligibility and contracted facilities?
You can visit the Health Promotion Administration website's 'Cancer Screening Introduction' and the Health 99 website to check the latest eligibility, frequency, and contracted medical facilities for each screening, or contact your local health bureau/office. Actual eligibility and items are subject to the official announcements of the Health Promotion Administration.
This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only, not Medical advice, and does not constitute any diagnostic commitment.