The long term participation trend for the colorectal cancer screening after the 2011 triple disaster in Minamisoma City, Fukushima, Japan

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a well-established cancer screening method, and its effectiveness depends on maintaining a high participation rate in the target population. In this study, we analyzed the trends in CRC screening participation rates over 10 years in Minamisoma City, where residents were forced to evacuate after the 2011 triple disaster in Fukushima, Japan. The immunochemical fecal occult blood test is provided as municipal CRC screening. We calculated the annual CRC screening participation rate and analyzed the factors associated with participation in screening. Overall, 4069 (12.3%) and 3839 (11.7%) persons participated in CRC screening in 2009 and 2010, respectively; however, the number decreased significantly to 1090 (3.4%) in 2011 when the earthquake occurred. Over the following 3 years, the rate gradually recovered. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that age < 65 years, living alone, and evacuation were significant associated factors for non-participation after 2011 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the CRC screening participation rate decreased significantly during the Great East Japan Earthquake but recovered over the next 3 years. Further analysis of factors preventing CRC screening participation and research on the long-term effects of its post-disaster decline are important to consider in assessing the need for intervention in post-disaster cancer screening.

Long-term uptake rate of a breast cancer screening program in Fukushima, Japan, following the 2011 Triple Disaster: a retrospective observational study

“…We previously reported comparable outcomes for local colorectal cancer screening using fecal occult blood in Minamisoma City 13 . However, there are two important differences between breast and colorectal cancer screening.…”

“…There has been a growing concern over the past few years about the effects of disasters and crises on breast cancer screening, an argument that has been further enhanced by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic 10 , 11 . Before this pandemic, only a few studies had evaluated the effect of disasters and crises on cancer screening programs as a whole 12 , 13 . However, since the beginning of the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in November 2019, a global decline in screening rates for breast cancer and other cancers has been reported 14 – 18 .…”

Long-term Health Risks of Cancer in Ukraine: Insights from the 2011 Fukushima Triple Disaster Experience

“…What is noteworthy is that long-term health damage regarding cancer was observed after the triple disaster. In our previous studies, help-seeking was found to decline over 5 years (3) , and screening coverage declined over 3 years before returning to the predisaster level (4) , Despite the limited impact on infrastructure after the triple disaster, the impact on cancer care is likely to be more prolonged this time.…”

Importance of continuing health care before emergency hospital evacuation: a fatal case of a hospitalized patient in a hospital within 5 km radius of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: a case report

“…4 Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan. 5 Department of Internal Medicine, Serireikai Group Hirata Central Hospital, Ishikawa District, Fukushima, Japan. 6 Department of Psychiatry, Hori Mental Clinic, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan.…”

“…Disasters cause a wide range of short-and long-term health problems. Short-term impacts include problems related to supplies and lifelines [1,2], medium-term impacts include problems related to physical and mental functional decline while living in shelters [3,4], and longterm impacts include problems related to the rebuilding of communities in the affected areas [5][6][7][8][9][10]. Although risk management efforts, risk reduction frameworks, and relevant policies continue to address disasters and strengthen disaster management efforts, minimizing the impact of disasters remains challenging [11].…”