Cancer remains top killer in Taiwan; kidney disease mortality rate rises, experts urge wider drug coverage

Cancer has once again topped the list of causes of death in Taiwan, marking its 44th consecutive year as the primary mortality factor. While other major causes of death remained largely unchanged in the 2025 statistics, a notable increase in the standardized mortality rate for kidney diseases has drawn attention from health experts.

Experts attribute the rise in kidney disease mortality to ongoing challenges in managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, often referred to as the "three highs." These chronic conditions are significant risk factors for kidney complications. The data suggests that current management strategies and patient adherence may require further improvement.

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There is still room for improvement in the control of the three highs and diabetes.

In response to these trends, health experts are calling for a relaxation of eligibility criteria for medication coverage under the national health insurance system. They argue that broader access to timely and effective treatments could help patients better control their conditions, potentially preventing the progression to kidney failure and the need for dialysis. This proactive approach aims to reduce the burden of kidney disease on both individuals and the healthcare system.

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We call on the government to relax medication conditions to help patients control their conditions early and avoid dialysis.