Trends in Cancer-Screening Rates in Korea: Findings from the National Cancer Screening Survey, 2004-2023

• Published in: Cancer research and treatment Vol. 57; no. 1; pp. 28 - 38
• Main Authors: Kang, EunKyo, Choi, Kui Son, Jun, Jae Kwan, Kim, Yeol, Lee, Hyeon Ji, Choi, Chang Kyun, Kim, Tae Hee, Lee, Sun Hwa, Suh, Mina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Cancer Association 01.01.2025; 대한암학회
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Early Detection of Cancer - statistics & numerical data; Early Detection of Cancer - trends; Female; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Neoplasms - diagnosis; Neoplasms - epidemiology; Republic of Korea - epidemiology; Special; Surveys and Questionnaires; 의학일반; Republic of Korea; Health care surveys; Early detection of cancer; Colorectal neoplasms; Trends; Mass screening; Liver neoplasms; Stomach neoplasms
• ISSN: 1598-2998; 2005-9256; 2005-9256
• DOI: 10.4143/crt.2024.325

Purpose This study aimed to report the overall national trends in the rates of cancer screening based on recommendations and provide insights into the changing trends of these rates across different demographics.Materials and Methods This study used data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), which surveys nationwide cancer-screening rates and includes 4,500 individuals meeting the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) protocol age criteria. Cancer-screening rates were assessed using structured questionnaires; yearly trends were analyzed for both lifetime cancer-screening rates and rates of screening based on recommendations, and subgroup analyses were performed based on age and sex.Results The rates of cancer screening based on recommendations showed significant increments: the stomach cancer-screening rate increased from 39.2% in 2004 to 77.5% in 2023 (3.50% per year), the liver cancer-screening rate increased from 20.0% to 48.8% (4.30% per year), and the colorectal cancer, increased from 19.9% to 70.7% (5.15% per year). The breast cancer-screening rate increased from 33.2% to 72.7% (2.88% per year), and the cervical cancer, increased from 58.3% to 70.2% (1.08% per year). Despite some differences, particularly in relation to sociodemographic factors, screening rates increased significantly for all cancer types.Conclusion Cancer-screening rates in Korea increased consistently from 2004 to 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of the national cancer-screening program. However, the increments in breast, cervical and lung cancer-screening rates were relatively lower, indicating the need for additional efforts and strategies.