Screening for Gastric Cancer in Korea: Population-Based Preferences for Endoscopy versus Upper Gastrointestinal Series

Abstract

This study assessed the screening rates for gastric cancer by two different screening methods, upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and endoscopy; intentions to undergo future gastric cancer screening; and the preferred method of screening. The study population was derived from the 2006 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey. The Korean National Cancer Screening Survey is an annual cross-sectional survey that uses nationally representative random sampling to investigate cancer screening rates. A total of 1,625 Koreans over 40 years of age participated in this study. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with undergoing gastric cancer screening, having an intention to be screened, and preferring one of the two screening tests. Among the 1,625 subjects, 15.1% had received a UGI, 33.2% had received an endoscopy, and 43.1% had undergone either or both of the tests in the previous 2 years. About 52% of people reported the intention to be screened within the next 2 years. The odds ratio for intending to be screened was 11.8 and 6.2 higher among those who had undergone a prior UGI test and an endoscopy test within the previous 2 years, respectively, than for those who had never been screened. Among the 1,625 individuals, 67% chose endoscopy and 33% UGI for their preferred future screening method. Collectively, our results highlight the preference for endoscopy testing as a gastric cancer screening method. Providers' assessments of individuals' screening preferences in combination with intervention strategies to promote performance of the preferred test may increase patient compliance with gastric cancer screening recommendations. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1390 -8)

Who participates in the gastric cancer screening and on‐time rescreening in the National Cancer Screening Program? A population‐based study in Korea

“…The factors associated with GC screenings are similar to those found in other studies. (4,22,23) Individuals who had participated in GC screening programs were more likely to be older, women, and those with a higher income status. Of the participants, the majority had undergone UGIS rather than endoscopy (54% vs 46%).…”

“…(2,3) In countries where GC is highly prevalent, GC screening is offered to the average-risk population to reduce the disease burden. (4) Gastric cancer screening has shown improvements in survival rates as a result of early detection and consequently higher cure rates. (5) Therefore, many Asian countries with a high burden of GC have considered implementing GC screening for the general population.…”

“…Now, medical aid recipients and those within the lower 50% of the NHI premium receive GC screening with no out-of-pocket expense. (4) Those within the upper 50% of the NHI premium can receive GC screening with a 20% out-ofpocket expense. (14) All of the target population received an invitation letter from the NHI Corporation (NHIC) at the beginning of each year.…”

“…The NCSP recommends that men and women over 40 years of age undergo GC screening every 2 years, with an UGIS or by endoscopy. (4,6) Although the NCSP provides GC screening, the participation rate for GC screening remains low. According to the annual report of the NCSP, the participation rate for GC screening was only 29.2% in 2008.…”

Awareness and Practice of Breast Self-examination among Korean Women: Results from a Nationwide Survey

“…This study was based on the 2007 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), an annual crosssectional survey that uses a nationally representative random sample to investigate Korean participation rates in cancer screening for five common cancers including stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, and cervix uteri (Choi et al, 2009). Face-to-face interviews were performed in the subject's homes by investigators from a professional research agency over 3 weeks.…”