Trends in Cancer Screening Rates among Korean Men and Women: Results from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, 2004-2012

PURPOSE: The Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), a nationwide, annual cross-sectional survey, has been conducted since 2004. The current study was conducted in order to report on trends in cancer screening rates for five types of cancer (stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, and cervix uteri). MATERIALS AND METHODS: KNCSS data were collected between 2004 and 2012. The eligible study population included cancer-free men who were 40 years of age and older and women who were 30 years of age and older. The lifetime screening rate, screening rate with recommendation, and changes in annual rates were calculated. RESULTS: Lifetime screening rates and screening rates with recommendation for the five types of cancer rose steadily until 2010, showed a slight drop or were stable in 2011, and increased again in 2012. On average, screening rates with recommendation have shown annual increases of 4.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6 to 5.0%) for stomach cancer, 0.8% (95% CI, -0.5 to 2.1%) for liver cancer, 2.4% (95% CI, 1.3 to 3.5%) for colorectal cancer, 4.5% (95% CI, 3.9 to 5.1%) for breast cancer, and 1.3% (95% CI, 0.6 to 2.0%) for cervical cancer. Disparities in age groups and household incomes have been decreasing since 2004. CONCLUSION: Cancer screening rates in Korea showed a significant increase from 2004 to 2012, and screening rates for gastric and breast cancer are now approaching 70%. The 10-Year Plan for Cancer Control target for screening rates was met or nearly met for all cancer types examined, with the exception of liver and colorectal cancer.