The latest cancer registration report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare reveals significant shifts in cancer prevalence in Taiwan for the year 2021 (Republic of China Year 110).
Lung Cancer Takes the Lead: Colon Cancer Slips to Second Place After 15 Years at the Top
According to the report, lung cancer has claimed the top spot for the first time, ending a 15-year reign by colon cancer, which now ranks second. The overall number of new cancer cases has decreased by 217 compared to the previous year, with an average of one person diagnosed every 4 minutes and 19 seconds.
Overall Cancer Incidence Decreases
In 2021, there were 121,762 new cancer cases, a reduction of 217 cases compared to 2020. The median age of cancer onset remained the same at 64 years, with breast and liver cancer showing a one-year delay in onset among women.
Top 10 Cancers (Combined Male and Female Cases)
The top 10 cancers (combined male and female) now include lung cancer in the lead, followed by colon cancer, female breast cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer (including oral and pharyngeal), prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, stomach cancer, skin cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Cancer Incidence in Men
In 2021, new cancer cases in men numbered 63,723, with a standardized incidence rate of 330.8 per 100,000 population, representing a decrease of 5.4 from the previous year. The top 10 cancers in men remained consistent with the previous year’s rankings: colon cancer, lung cancer, oral cancer (including oral and pharyngeal), liver cancer, prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, skin cancer, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Cancer Incidence in Women
For women, there were 58,039 new cancer cases in 2021, with a standardized incidence rate of 288.4 per 100,000 population, reflecting a decrease of 4.4 from the previous year. The leading cancers in women include breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine body cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.