Japanese cancer screening programs during the COVID-19 pandemic: Changes in participation between 2017-2020

Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the primary lung cancer screening program in Akita Prefecture, a region with the fastest aging population in Japan

“…Under these circumstances, the number of all medical screenings declined on a national scale in 2020, including chest X-ray screening for lung cancer (À28.3%). 13 We focused on the status of chest X-ray screening in Akita Prefecture, which has a large area, a rapidly aging population and is in a remote region. The rate of decline in chest X-ray screenings in Akita Prefecture was twice the national average (À56.6% vs À28.3%, respectively).…”

“…After the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic in early 2020, people avoided visiting crowded areas, such as hospitals, to prevent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Under these circumstances, the number of all medical screenings declined on a national scale in 2020, including chest X‐ray screening for lung cancer (−28.3%) 13 . We focused on the status of chest X‐ray screening in Akita Prefecture, which has a large area, a rapidly aging population and is in a remote region.…”

“…Machii and Takahashi recently reported that participation in the Japanese cancer screening program (including lung cancer screening) has declined since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 13 However, those authors only evaluated the national average and did not address the characteristics of each region, such as urban or rural areas. Another study on gastrointestinal cancer screening in Akita Prefecture showed that both the number of upper gastrointestinal cancer screenings and the number of diagnosed esophagogastric cancers had declined after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Machii and Takahashi recently reported that participation in the Japanese cancer screening program (including lung cancer screening) has declined since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic 13 . However, those authors only evaluated the national average and did not address the characteristics of each region, such as urban or rural areas.…”

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Rate of Cognitive Impairment Screening Among the Elderly by Activity of Daily Living in Indochina: A Preliminary Report

“…Prior research has amply demonstrated the value of routine cancer screening, particularly cervical cancer screening. 1 Cognitive impairment is still a fairly common medical issue in many parts of the world, particularly Southeast Asia. With routine screening and quick, targeted treatment, the endemicity of this disorder is anticipated to decrease locally.…”