Increasing uptake of colorectal cancer screening in Korea: a population-based study

Abstract

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low in most Asian countries and remain largely unknown. This study examined trends in CRC screening rates after the introduction of the Korean National Cancer Screening Programme (NCSP) and determined the factors associated with uptake of CRC screening by test modality over time.MethodsAn annual population-based survey conducted through nationally representative random sampling from 2005-2008. In total, 3,699 participants from the 2005-2008 surveys were selected as study subjects. Face-to-face interviews were performed to assess the utilization rate of CRC screening by each screening modality.ResultsOverall, CRC screening within the recommended time interval increased significantly from 22.9% in 2005 to 36.6% in 2008 (p < 0.001). The proportion of subjects receiving a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) test within the previous year increased significantly from 7.2% in 2005 to 21.3% in 2008 (p < 0.001). Increases in FOBT testing were highest among those who had a lower income status (relative difference = 511.9%) and women (relative difference = 266.1%). Endoscopy use also increased from 18.0% in 2005 to 20.5% in 2008, albeit not significant. Overall, those who were male, non-smokers, 60-69 years old, and had a higher income status were more likely to have undergone up-to-date endoscopy and CRC screening.ConclusionsThis study revealed a substantial increase in up-to-date CRC screening in the general population from 2005 to 2008. However, more than half of adults in Korea are still not up-to-date with their CRC tests. It will be important to continue to investigate factors associated with up-to-date CRC screening by each modality.

Knowledge of, attitudes toward, and barriers to participation of colorectal cancer screening tests in the Asia-Pacific region: a multicenter study

“…Although these challenges appear substantial, they are not insurmountable, as demonstrated by the increase in CRC screening test participation in Korea as a result of health care policies and pubic awareness campaigns. 26 The respondents' ages differed considerably among countries and may have led to bias in the results of knowledge of CRC. Because previous studies demonstrated better knowledge in older people, the superior knowledge in countries such as Japan may have been attributable to their higher proportion of older respondents.…”

Colorectal cancer among Koreans living in South Korea versus California: incidence, mortality, and screening rates

“…The history of CRC screening in South Korea is relatively short compared to the US. In 2002, South Korea developed guidelines for CRC screening in average-risk adults, and the government introduced nationwide CRC screening as part of the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) in 2004 (Choi et al 2010). Currently, in Korea, both government-organized and opportunistic CRC screening is available.…”

Telephone Reminder Call in Addition to Mailing Notification Improved the Acceptance Rate of Colonoscopy in Patients with a Positive Fecal Immunochemical Test

“…CRC has been rapidly increasing in Asia, and Asian countries including China, Japan, Singapore, and Korea have recently witnessed two-to fourfold increases in its incidence [2,3]. The epidemiologic change in Asia indicates that CRC screening and population compliance are crucial to the success of the CRC screening program.…”