Zhunan health screenings exceed 1,000 participants; Hepatitis Foundation partners to protect Miaoli residents

A free health screening event in Zhunan Township, Miaoli County, saw over 1,000 residents participate, receiving crucial checks for liver disease and other health concerns. The initiative, held at Zhunan High School, was organized by the Hepatitis Prevention and Research Foundation (HPRF) in partnership with the "Find Love" charity platform.

The collaboration between HPRF and 7-ELEVEN, supported by in-store coin donations, has been providing medical resources to rural and grassroots areas for over 20 years, serving more than 250,000 people. This event, co-hosted with the Miaoli County Health Bureau, Zhunan Township Office, Zhunan Township Health Center, and Wei Gong Memorial Hospital, offered adult health checks, Hepatitis B/C screenings, and cancer marker tests. Additionally, 200 participants received abdominal ultrasounds.

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Liver disease is known as a local illness. Although Hepatitis C can be cured with new drugs and Hepatitis B can be controlled with medication, about 7,000 people in Taiwan still die from liver cancer and 4,000 from cirrhosis each year.

Dr. Liu Pan-fu, CEO of HPRF, highlighted that liver disease remains a significant health issue in Taiwan, with thousands dying annually from liver cancer and cirrhosis despite advancements in treatment. He promoted the "Have You Been Scanned This Year?" campaign, encouraging abdominal ultrasounds for early detection. This screening tool can also examine the gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen. HPRF recommends regular check-ups for high-risk groups: every three months for cirrhosis patients, every six months for Hepatitis B/C carriers, and annually for individuals over 40.

Professional medical staff were on-site to explain results and facilitate referrals for abnormal findings. For economically disadvantaged individuals, HPRF offers a "Liver Health Fund" for further treatment. Similar screening events have been held in Zaocao and Toufen, with over 2,000 people screened in Miaoli this year alone. The foundation relies on small coin donations collected at 7-ELEVEN stores nationwide, online donations via the OPENPOINT APP, and donations through ibon kiosks to continue its outreach to underserved communities.

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Abdominal ultrasound is not only the best tool for early detection of liver cancer, but it can also examine organs such as the gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen.