What government-subsidized cancer screenings are available? Targets and frequencies at a glance (five cancer screenings)
The government, through the Health Promotion Administration, provides five publicly funded cancer screenings (cervical, breast, colorectal, oral, and lung cancers). Eligible individuals by age and conditions can receive screenings at contracted medical institutions with their National Health Insurance card, with costs subsidized by the government. Starting from 2025, the subsidy scope has been expanded: the target for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening has been broadened, and HPV testing has been added for some age groups of women. The following summarizes the targets, ages, and frequencies of each screening, with official sources from the Health Promotion Administration. This is neutral consumer information and does not represent any evaluation or endorsement of any institution by this site.
Comparison of eligibility and frequency for five cancer screenings
The Health Promotion Administration provides five publicly funded cancer screenings. Eligible individuals can bring their NHI card to contracted institutions for screening, with costs subsidized by the government. The eligibility and frequency for each screening are as follows (subject to the latest announcements of the Health Promotion Administration):
- Cervical cancer: Women aged 30 and above once a year for Pap smear (ages 25–29 once every 3 years); women aged 35, 45, and 65 can receive one HPV test.
- Breast cancer: Women aged 40–74 once every 2 years for mammography.
- Colorectal cancer: Individuals aged 45–74, and those aged 40–44 with a family history, once every 2 years for fecal occult blood test.
- Oral cancer: Individuals aged 30 and above who chew betel quid (including former users) or smoke, once every 2 years for oral mucosal examination.
- Lung cancer: Individuals with a family history of lung cancer or heavy smoking history, once every 2 years for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).
What expansions are there starting 2025 (114 Minguo year)?
Starting 2025, the eligibility for lung cancer LDCT screening is expanded: age threshold lowered for those with family history (males from 50 to 45, females from 45 to 40), heavy smoking history reduced from 30 pack-years to 20 pack-years (ages 50–74, smoking history ≥20 pack-years); and HPV testing is added for women of certain ages. Actual eligibility is subject to the latest announcements of the Health Promotion Administration.
How to combine publicly funded screening and self-paid health checkups?
Publicly funded screening targets specific cancer types and risk groups with fixed eligibility and frequency. Self-paid health checkups cover a broader range of items and can be chosen based on individual needs. It is recommended to first utilize public resources, then add self-paid items based on personal risk. The two are different in nature and can complement each other. Whether further self-paid examinations are needed should be discussed with a physician.
FAQ
What are the five cancer screenings subsidized by the government?
The five publicly funded cancer screenings provided by the Health Promotion Administration are for cervical, breast, colorectal, oral, and lung cancers. Eligible individuals by age and risk conditions can receive screenings at contracted medical institutions with their National Health Insurance card, with costs subsidized by the government. Actual eligibility is subject to the announcements of the Health Promotion Administration.
What are the targets and frequencies 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 (it is recommended to do it at least every 3 years); additionally, women aged 35, 45, and 65 can receive one HPV test in that year. Breast cancer: women aged 40–74 are subsidized once every 2 years for mammography.
What are the targets and frequencies for colorectal and oral cancer screenings?
Colorectal cancer: individuals aged 45–74, and those aged 40–44 with a family history, are subsidized once every 2 years for fecal occult blood test. Oral cancer: individuals aged 30 and above who chew betel nut (including those who have quit) or smoke, and indigenous people aged 18 and above who chew betel nut (including those who have quit), are subsidized once every 2 years for oral mucosal examination.
Who can receive lung cancer screening (LDCT)? What changes are there in 2025?
Lung cancer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening covers individuals with a family history of lung cancer and heavy smokers. Starting January 2025 (114 Minguo year), the criteria are expanded: age threshold lowered for those with family history (males from 50 to 45, females from 45 to 40), heavy smoking history reduced from 30 pack-years to 20 pack-years (ages 50–74, smoking history ≥20 pack-years), once every 2 years.
What is the difference between publicly funded cancer screening and self-paid advanced health checkups?
Publicly funded cancer screening is subsidized by the government for specific cancer types and risk groups, with fixed eligibility and frequency. Self-paid health checkups (e.g., imaging, tumor markers, whole-body assessment) cover a broader range of items and are chosen by individuals based on needs and budget. The two are different in nature and can complement each other. It is recommended to discuss appropriate items with a physician. This site provides a neutral compilation of public information.
Where can I check screening eligibility and contracted medical institutions?
You can visit the Health Promotion Administration website's 'Cancer Screening Introduction' and the Health99 website to check the latest eligibility criteria, frequency, and contracted medical institutions for each screening, or contact the local health bureau/office. Actual eligibility and items are subject to the 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.