Colorectal Cancer Screening | Yuan-Rung Hospital

I. Introduction:

Colorectal cancer is a highly curable cancer that can be detected and treated early. According to statistics, if early colorectal cancer is properly treated, the survival rate is over 90%.
Colorectal cancer is mainly caused by the cancerous transformation of adenomatous polyps in the large intestine. Therefore, early detection and removal of adenomatous polyps can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer.

According to the experience of European and American countries, fecal occult blood screening every one to two years can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by approximately 18% to 33%.
Therefore, since 2004, the Bureau has begun promoting colorectal cancer screening services for people aged 50-69. From 2004 to 2008, approximately 1.209 million people were screened, and 1,298 cases of colorectal cancer were found, with over 30% of these cases being stage 0 or stage I.
According to the Bureau's statistics, in 2008, the rate of people aged 50-69 who had undergone fecal occult blood tests in the past 2 years reached 11%.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) checks for blood in the stool. Currently, FOBT uses an immunoassay method, which requires no dietary restrictions, making it very simple and convenient. However, FOBT is not 100% accurate, so if there are any abnormalities, a specialist physician should still be consulted for necessary examinations.
If the fecal occult blood test is positive, a colonoscopy should be further performed. The advantage of this is that if any lesions or polyps are found during the examination, samples can be directly taken for biopsy or the polyps can be removed.

Excessive red meat intake and lack of exercise in the diet of Taiwanese people are the main reasons for the rapid increase in colorectal cancer incidence;
Studies indicate that the intake of vegetables and fruits in the diet can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, while excessive intake of fats, red meat, etc., may increase the incidence of colorectal cancer. Therefore, to prevent colorectal cancer,
in addition to consuming more high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits and engaging in regular exercise,
people aged 50-69 should have at least one Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every 2 years for early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer lesions.

II. Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Promotion:

How to prevent and detect colorectal cancer early?

Develop good eating habits, eat more vegetables and fruits, and eat less meat and high-fat foods.
Develop a daily exercise habit.
Develop a habit of regular screening.

Colorectal cancer often occurs after age 50, so people over 50 should undergo fecal occult blood tests every 1-2 years. However, individuals with a personal or family history of polyposis or colorectal cancer are advised to undergo a full colonoscopy directly, with earlier screening ages and regular follow-ups.

III. How to collect samples with a stool collection stick?

When using the sample box, please open the label and write down the date and your name. After completion, roll the label back and stick it firmly.
When using a sitting toilet, to prevent stool from falling into the water and making collection difficult, please sit forward or backward.
It is recommended to first line the sloped surface inside the toilet bowl with toilet paper for easier collection. Gently pull back the stool collection stick.
Use the groove of the stool collection stick to scrape across the surface of the stool and collect the sample.
Fill the groove with an appropriate amount. (The sample only needs to fill the groove; it should not exceed the size of a grain of rice, as too much can cause false positives)
Push the stool collection stick into the container; please do not open it again.
After sample collection is complete, place it in a plastic bag and store it in a cool, dark place.
For stool samples, please choose formed stool for collection. If it is watery diarrhea, please collect the sample on another day.
If you have taken bowel cleansing medication, please collect the sample during your first bowel movement.

★ Precautions

Please submit the sample as soon as possible after collection and store it refrigerated at 2-8°C.
Do not collect samples during menstruation.

Health Check-up Benefits for Free Adult Health Check-ups

Eligible Age and Schedule

Applicable Subjects

Ages 40 and above: Can receive one free check-up every three years with their NHI IC card.
Ages 65 and above: Can receive one free check-up annually with their NHI IC card.

Examination Items

Examination Item	Content	Symptoms that can be understood
1. General Physical Examination	Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Pulse	Understand if basic body functions are normal
2. Urine Test	Appearance, Urine Sugar, pH, Urine Protein, Occult Blood, Urine Sediment Examination (White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells, Epithelial Cells, Casts) Others: such as bacteria, trichomonas, etc.	Proteinuria, Ketoacidosis, Diabetes Insipidus, Stones, Renal Dysfunction, Nephrotic Syndrome, Diabetes, Biliary Obstruction, Urinary Tract Bleeding, Inflammation
3. Liver and Gallbladder Function Test	Total Protein (TP), Albumin (ALB), Globulin (GLO), Albumin/Globulin Ratio (A/G), Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT or AST) Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT or ALT)	Liver disease, Abnormal liver function, Cirrhosis, Acute hepatitis, Chronic hepatitis
4. Diabetes Test	Fasting Blood Glucose (AC)	Diabetes, Hypoglycemia
5. Kidney Function Test	Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine (CREAT)	Kidney function
6. Blood Lipid Test	Triglycerides (TG), Cholesterol (CHO), High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL)	Lipid metabolism disorders, Arteriosclerosis
7. Comprehensive Ophthalmology Examination	Visual Acuity (uncorrected) Right Eye, Visual Acuity (uncorrected) Left Eye, Visual Acuity (corrected) Right Eye, Visual Acuity (corrected) Left Eye	Is vision normal
8. Physician Consultation	Internal Medicine, Surgery, and General Consultation	Understand if basic body functions are normal

How to get examined

Please bring your National Health Insurance IC card and ID card to a contracted hospital or clinic for examination. The NHI card is only for verification and does not require a stamp. Other than the registration fee, no co-payment is required when receiving this service.

Precautions for Examination

Before insured individuals go to a contracted medical institution for examination, please first inquire with the institution about relevant matters that need to be coordinated and schedule an appointment for the examination.
If insured individuals have any questions about the examination results, please consult the medical institution where the examination was performed.
The preventive examinations provided by this service are for screening purposes. To detect physical deficiencies early for timely correction, a normal examination result does not mean that other diseases are present. If you experience any discomfort or abnormalities, you should seek medical attention promptly.
Additionally, please keep the examination result report properly for future medical visits or further examinations.

Reference Website: National Health Insurance Administration Public Zone