Taiwan is intensifying its initiatives to combat hepatitis B and enhance early liver cancer detection, following its early completion of the World Health Organization’s hepatitis C elimination goals. Shih Chung-liang, the Minister of Health and Welfare, highlighted that Taiwan’s subsequent public health strategy will focus on curbing hepatitis B infections and improving liver cancer screening, while also tackling non-viral liver diseases such as obesity-induced fatty liver disease.
Despite the progress made, liver cancer remains a significant health challenge in Taiwan, ranking as the second-leading cause of cancer-related mortality with over 7,000 deaths annually. Health officials reveal that approximately 40 percent of liver cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, which diminishes treatment efficacy and escalates healthcare expenses. In response, authorities are crafting a new national cancer control program, incorporating a liver cancer risk assessment model specifically designed for Taiwan’s population. The program will also address the rising concern of non-viral liver cancer.
In support of these health efforts, the Good Liver Foundation is collaborating with medical and technology specialists to launch “iGood Liver AI.” This artificial intelligence-powered ultrasound tool is engineered to detect and analyze liver tumors in real-time by pinpointing suspicious areas and differentiating between benign and malignant growths during routine check-ups. Medical experts emphasize that this technology is meant to supplement, not replace, doctors by serving as an additional diagnostic resource that enhances detection rates and minimizes the chance of overlooked diagnoses.
To further improve healthcare accessibility, the Good Liver Foundation has secured funding to distribute 50 sets of the AI system to medical facilities situated in remote and underserved regions across Taiwan. This initiative aims to broaden the reach of liver disease screening and facilitate early intervention services, thereby potentially saving lives through timely diagnosis and treatment.