Doctors Warn: Youth Doesn't Mean Immunity to Illness — '2026 Youth Health Forum' Builds Health Defense for Younger Generations

"Being young doesn't mean you can't get sick," and in fact, diseases occurring in young adults are often underestimated due to the misconception of "still being young." The Taiwan Young Patients Association held the "2026 Youth Health Forum" today (12th), examining critical issues such as early-onset colorectal cancer, rare soft tissue tumors, stroke-related disabilities, HER2-positive breast cancer, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, and childhood atopic dermatitis. The forum analyzed gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and post-illness support for young people.

Dr. Lai Cheng-da, Director of the Colorectal Surgery Medical Association of the Republic of China, pointed out that the global onset age for early-onset colorectal cancer is gradually decreasing. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits are often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 is rising. "Colorectal cancer is increasingly common, and it's happening right now. Young patients must never assume it can't happen to them just because of their age," Dr. Lai emphasized. "The youngest colorectal cancer patient I've treated was only 18 years old."

Stroke poses a dual economic impact of "loss of workforce" and "rising care costs." Beyond the common warning signs of cancer often ignored by young patients, some diseases are difficult to identify and diagnose. Dr. Li Ming-jing from the Department of Oncology at National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch explained that although certain rare soft tissue tumors are not traditionally classified as malignant, they may still cause local ischemia, recurrent severe episodes, and even affect fertility, career, and daily functioning. Patients often visit multiple departments due to unclear symptoms and fall into diagnostic, referral, and coverage gaps because their condition is deemed "not cancer, not rare disease." Strengthening interdisciplinary care coordination is urgently needed.

Dr. Tang Sung-chun from the Taiwan Stroke Society noted that nearly 20% of ischemic stroke patients are of working age. A single stroke-induced disability creates a dual economic shock of "workforce loss" and "increased care costs." One survey revealed that 60% of stroke survivors experience reduced working hours or leave their jobs, while nearly 50% face monthly financial burdens increasing by over NT$30,000. However, the current frontline thrombolytic treatment rate remains at only about 6.2%.

Professor Chen Hsiu-hsi from the National Taiwan University School of Public Health cited a German WifOR study showing that in the Asia-Pacific region, the value of recovered unpaid labor and caregiving from improved breast cancer treatment accounts for 25% of the total social impact. Innovations not only save lives but also fundamentally reduce caregiving needs, absenteeism, and labor loss. For example, Taiwan's innovative treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer has generated a social value of NT$10.3 billion.

Cancer stigma may also affect screening willingness. Dr. Lin Hsi-hsun from the Taiwan AIDS Society pointed out that disease stigma and privacy concerns may deter people from undergoing screening. Routine, opt-out integrated STI/HIV screening through intimate contact could reduce barriers, enabling earlier detection and treatment. Future efforts must further integrate sexual health education, screening services, and care resources.

Dr. Chao Hsiao-chiu, President of the Dermatological Society of Taiwan, stated that studies show early advanced treatment before age six can reduce comorbidity risk by 46%. After two years of continuous treatment, nearly 90% of affected children show significant skin improvement. International guidelines recommend biologics for moderate-to-severe cases in children over six months, but Taiwan's National Health Insurance currently only covers those aged six and above. He urged faster alignment with international standards to close the treatment gap for young children.