Current Status of the National Health Screening Programs in South Korea

Abstract

A health check-up is one of the best ways to prevent diseases and maintain health by screening for risk factors and diagnosing diseases early. As the burden of illness shifts from infectious to chronic diseases, the importance of health check-ups is emphasized. Korean health authorities began the National Health Screening Programs (NHSPs) for public servants and private school staff in 1980. The NHSP is composed of the National Cancer Screening Programs (NCSPs) and general health checkups. NCSPs, started in 1999, included screenings for stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, and uterine cervical cancers, and they may have contributed to the improved cancer survival rate from 42.9% in 1993–1995 to 77.5% in 2013–2017 in Korea. General health check-ups included lifestyle questionnaires, anthropometric measurements; blood pressure measurement; visual acuity test; hearing test; laboratory tests including fasting glucose, lipid profile, liver function tests, creatinine, and urinalysis; and, chest radiography. Additionally, bone density, cognitive function, and depression were assessed. Testing for non-communicable diseases has improved the control rates of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Favorable changes in the risk factors for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases may lead to a decline in age-standardized mortality and heart disease over several decades. However, many areas of the programs need to be improved. NHSPs should be designed on the basis of individual health conditions, medical needs, and scientific evidence. Greater opportunities to receive NHSPs should be provided to socioeconomically vulnerable individuals. In addition, stricter quality control of NHSPs is required. Follow-up management after the NHSPs should be systematized. In conclusion, NHSPs have contributed to the improvement of public health; however, several aspects of these programs must be addressed.

Prediction Model for Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Using Korean Public Health Examination Data (2002–2017)

“…In terms of general health screening, the Korean government has not only continued expanding the eligible population and facilitating participation but has also implemented policies to ensure improvements in quality, equity, and result management in the national health screening program [ 47 ]. One of these policies is the third comprehensive National Health Screening Program plan [ 48 ], which was announced in 2021.…”

Sex and Tumor-Site Differences in the Association of Alcohol Intake With the Risk of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

“…In Korea, the Basic Act on Health Examination was enacted in April 2008, and detailed questionnaires on drinking, smoking, and physical activity were added in 2009. 20 Thus, we included individuals who underwent NHIS health checkups between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009 (index year), and tracked them until the end of 2019 to identify incident early-onset CRC (age <50 years). The participation rate for NHIS health checkups was 67% in 2009.…”

Disparities in the first-ever diagnosed liver cancers between the emergency department and outpatient department in Taiwan: a population-based study

“…Therefore, compared with the United Kingdom, Taiwan still has room for improvement in outpatient screening and the prevention of liver cancer. In South Korea, the National Cancer Screening Program provides free liver cancer screening services twice a year for the low-income insured (bottom 50%) [ 25 ]. Although no studies yet have shown that the program has the effect of reducing liver cancers diagnosed in the ED, it is still a good policy that the Taiwan government can emulate.…”

“…25-69 years, 69.1% had been tested for hepatitis B and C, and 12% received diagnoses of hepatitis B or C after being screened. After becoming aware they had hepatitis B or C, 69% of people sought medical treatment.…”