Free Abdominal Ultrasounds Offered for Those Over 40 in Chiayi

Chiayi Christian Hospital is partnering with the Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Foundation to offer free abdominal ultrasound screenings on July 19. The event, running from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, aims to screen approximately 500 individuals aged 40 and over. This initiative seeks to promote early detection and treatment of liver diseases, including liver cancer, which can often progress silently.

Dr. Chen Chi-yi, a gastroenterologist at Chiayi Christian Hospital, emphasized the importance of regular check-ups, especially with the rising prevalence of fatty liver disease due to Westernized diets and increased obesity. He noted that chronic hepatitis B and C infections remain significant risk factors for cirrhosis and liver cancer. Because the liver lacks pain-sensing nerves, individuals may not feel discomfort even when serious conditions develop. Regular abdominal ultrasounds and related tests are therefore crucial for safeguarding liver health.

Abdominal ultrasounds are described as a safe, radiation-free, and convenient examination method. Beyond the liver, the procedure can assess other vital abdominal organs such as the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and spleen. It is effective in the preliminary screening of common conditions including fatty liver, gallstones, and gallstones. The hospital highlighted that many patients are diagnosed with abnormalities during these screenings, leading to timely further diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing disease progression.

This marks the sixth year Chiayi Christian Hospital has hosted this public health event. Five specialist physicians from the hospital's gastroenterology department will be dedicating their time to ensure efficient screening for participants. Attendees are advised to report by 8:00 AM on July 19 and bring their national health insurance cards for registration.