Following its early success in achieving the World Health Organization’s hepatitis C elimination targets, Taiwan is intensifying its public health initiatives to combat hepatitis B and enhance the early detection of liver cancer. The focus now shifts to mitigating hepatitis B infections and improving screening for liver cancer, as well as addressing non-viral liver diseases such as fatty liver disease linked to obesity, according to Minister of Health and Welfare, Shih Chung-liang.
Liver cancer poses a significant health challenge in Taiwan, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with over 7,000 deaths annually. A concerning 40 percent of liver cancer cases are identified at advanced stages, which complicates treatment and escalates healthcare expenditures. In response, health officials are crafting a novel national cancer control strategy, incorporating a liver cancer risk assessment model specifically designed for the Taiwanese population. This program will also address the growing concern of non-viral liver cancer.
In support of these public health measures, the Good Liver Foundation has teamed up with experts in medicine and technology to create “iGood Liver AI,” an innovative AI-driven ultrasound tool. This technology is designed to swiftly detect and evaluate liver tumors by highlighting suspicious regions and distinguishing malignant from benign growths during standard examinations. It serves as a supplementary diagnostic resource aimed at enhancing detection rates and minimizing the probability of overlooked diagnoses, rather than substituting the role of medical professionals.
To broaden healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved regions, the Good Liver Foundation has arranged funding to distribute 50 units of this AI system to medical facilities across Taiwan. This initiative seeks to expand screening and early intervention services for liver diseases, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes nationwide.