Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Special Article

Current Status of the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea: History, Achievements, and Future Directions: Kyeongmin Lee, Mina Suh, Kui Son Choi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(4):337-347. Published online June 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.268

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To reduce this burden, the Korean government established the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) in 1999, initially offering stomach, breast, and cervical cancer screening to Medical Aid Program (MAP) beneficiaries. By 2019, the NCSP had broadened both its eligible population and the range of cancers screened—stomach, liver, cervical, breast, colorectal, and lung—for both MAP recipients and health insurance beneficiaries. Since its inception, participation and adherence to recommended screening have risen steadily, driven by nationwide policy initiatives and expanded access. Over the past 2 decades, the NCSP has played a key role in reducing the incidence of stomach, liver, colorectal, and cervical cancers while increasing detection at precancerous stages, especially for cervical and colorectal cancers. Five-year relative survival rates for major cancers—most notably stomach, colorectal, and breast—have also improved substantially. Accumulated evidence, including cancer detection rates, stage distribution at diagnosis, and mortality reduction, underscores the program’s effectiveness in facilitating early detection and reducing cancer-specific deaths. Notably, Korea’s mortality-to-incidence ratio for major cancers remains well below the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development average, illustrating the impact of the nation’s comprehensive cancer control strategies. Continued research, surveillance, and refinement of evidence-based screening guidelines will be critical to further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the NCSP.

Summary

Korean summary
한국의 국가암검진 사업은 도입 이후 지난 20여 년간 암 발생률과 사망률 감소에 크게 기여해왔다. 본 연구에서는 한국의 국가암검진 프로그램의 도입 이후 발전과정을 살펴보고, 암 질병부담 감소에 기여한 주요성과들을 고찰하였다. 또한, 국가암검진의 효과성을 높이기 위해 근거에 기반한 암검진 권고안 개정의 필요성을 논의하고, 향후 국가암검진 사업의 지속적인 성과 향상을 위한 발전방안을 제시하였다.

Key Message
Since its inception, Korea’s National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) has played a critical role in reducing cancer incidence and mortality over the past two decades. This study presents a comprehensive review of the NCSP’s development and its key contributions to alleviating the national cancer burden. In addition, it emphasizes the necessity of updating cancer screening guidelines in accordance with the latest scientific evidence and outlines strategic directions to further strengthen the program’s effectiveness and long-term outcomes.

Citations

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Practice of Cytopathology in Korea: A 40‐Year Evolution Through Standardization, Digital Transformation, and Global Partnership
Yosep Chong, Ran Hong, Hyeong Ju Kwon, Haeryoung Kim, Lucia Kim, Soon Jae Kim, Yoon Jung Choi
Diagnostic Cytopathology.2026; 54(2): 146. CrossRef
Colorectal cancer incidence, survival analysis and predictions (Monastir, Tunisia: 2002–2030)
Cyrine Bennasrallah, Amani Maatouk, Mariem Kacem, Wafa Dhouib, Hela Abroug, Manel Ben Fredj, Leila Safer, Sonia Zaied, Moncef Mokni, Ines Bouanène, Asma Belguith Sriha, Imen Zemni, Mohamed Ali Chaouch
PLOS One.2026; 21(1): e0339603. CrossRef
Strengthening colonoscopy screening in primary care: A preventive imperative before the coming surge
Manas Pustake, Raman Kumar
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.2026; 15(1): 1. CrossRef
A Clinicopathologic, Molecular, and Prognostic Comparison Between Early- and Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Korea: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Sung Bin Park, Hoon Sup Koo, Dae Sung Kim, Jieun Ryu, Jieun Shin, Jun Suk Oh, Kyu Chan Huh
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2026; 15(5): 1736. CrossRef
Inequalities in breast cancer incidence and mortality in women with and without disabilities in South Korea: A population-based cohort study
Hee-Yeon Kang, Eunjung Park, Thi Tra Bui, Byungmi Kim, Jin-Kyoung Oh
Preventive Medicine Reports.2025; 59: 103242. CrossRef
Enhancing cancer risk awareness and screening management through artificial intelligence: a narrative review
Jiaxuan Wu, Xiaolong Tang, Qian Zheng, Xinhang Gu, Li Ma, Jinghong Xian, Hui Mao, Jiadi Gan, Guiyi Ji
Frontiers in Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Temporal trends and future projections of six major cancers among women of childbearing age in northeast Asia: analysis of data from the global burden of disease study 2021
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Frontiers in Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Perspective

Almost 80 Years After Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Are World Governments and Healthcare Systems Ready for a Nuclear War?: Céleo Ramírez, Reyna M. Durón; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(2):227-229. Published online December 17, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.577

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Abstract Summary PDF: Since the detonation of the first atomic bomb during World War II, geopolitical issues and armed conflicts have reminded us of the threat posed by nuclear weapons in the short, medium, and long term. The potential consequences include millions of deaths and severe injuries from blast, heat, and acute ionizing radiation. Whatever the country, in the post-acute stage of a nuclear attack, the first challenge for health and rescue personnel will be gaining access to affected populations amidst destroyed infrastructure, hazardous radioactivity, and limited health facilities and medical supplies. Subsequently, the focus will shift to providing timely and appropriate treatment for survivors, addressing environmental damage, and combating malnutrition. Beyond the immediate human toll, the destruction of city infrastructure and the loss of centuries of cultural heritage are also at stake. Governments and health systems must prepare for these scenarios, although any medical or mitigation response may prove inadequate to halt the devastating impact of a failed disarmament or nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Scientists should raise awareness about the dire consequences of nuclear warfare and the realities of a post-nuclear era.; Summary

Key Message
A nuclear war would pose severe immediate and long-term consequences, including mass casualties, radiation exposure, and the collapse of infrastructure. In the aftermath, health systems will face immense challenges in providing care and addressing environmental damage. Governments and scientists must raise awareness about the catastrophic impact of nuclear warfare and the urgent need for effective disarmament, non-proliferation treaties, and peace efforts.

Original Articles

Psychometric Characteristics of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Severity Subscale Among Korean Cancer Survivors: So-Young Park; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(4):319-326. Published online May 16, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.096

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Abstract Summary PDF

Objectives
Despite the importance of choosing and using a valid assessment tool for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) for early detection and interventions, the validity of the FCR inventory has yet to be thoroughly investigated in Korea. This study explored the psychometric properties of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Severity (FCRI-S) subscale and assessed its applicability to cancer survivors in Korea.
Methods
The survey involved 93 Korean individuals who had survived cancer. The reliability of the FCRI-S subscale was assessed using Cronbach’s α and composite reliability (CR). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), along with tests for discriminant and convergent validity, was conducted to evaluate the construct validity of the FCRI-S subscale.
Results
The FCRI-S subscale showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.88; CR=0.89). CFA showed a good factor structure for the FCRI-S subscale, and the correlations of the FCRI-S subscale with FCR-related measures (r=0.69 to 0.80) and other psychosocial measures (r=-0.23 to 0.37) confirmed both the convergent and discriminant validity of the FCRI-S subscale.
Conclusions
This study confirmed the robust psychometric characteristics of the FCRI-S subscale among cancer survivors in Korea. The use of the FCRI-S subscale would be helpful for health professionals to rapidly screen FCR levels in clinical settings.

Summary

Korean summary
암 재발 두려움은 암 생존자들이 흔히 호소하는 심리사회적 어려움 중의 하나이다. 한국 성인 암 생존자들을 대상으로 암 재발 두려움-심각성 하위척도의 심리계량적 속성을 평가한 결과, 해당 하위척도가 좋은 타당도와 신뢰도를 보인 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과는 임상 현장에서 암 재발 두려움에 대한 조기 발견과 적극적인 개입의 중요성을 강조한다.

Key Message
Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) has emerged as a significant and common concern among cancer survivors. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of FCRI-S subscale among Korean adult cancer survivors and confirmed its good validity and reliability. Findings of this research emphasize the importance of early detection and active interventions for FCR in clinical settings.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Fear of cancer recurrence in oncohematological patients: assessment instruments and evidence-based psychological interventions — a systematic review
Ana Sancho-Martínez, María Rueda-Extremera, Sergio Alejandre-Carmona, María Cantero-García
Frontiers in Psychology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Cancer News Coverage in Korean Newspapers: An Analytic Study in Terms of Cancer Awareness: Hye Sook Min, E Hwa Yun, Jinsil Park, Young Ae Kim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2020;53(2):126-134. Published online February 13, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.19.256

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Abstract Summary PDF

Objectives
Cancer diagnoses have a tremendous impact on individuals and communities, drawing intense public concern. The objective of the current research was to examine news coverage and content related to cancer-related issues in Korean newspapers.
Methods
Primarily using the database system of the Korea Press Foundation, we conducted a content analysis of 2806 articles from 9 Korean daily newspapers during a recent 3-year period from 2015 to 2017. Thematic categories, the types of articles, attitudes and tone, and the number of sources in each article were coded and classified.
Results
Many news articles dealt with a diverse range of themes related to cancer, including general healthcare information, the latest research and development, specific medical institutions and personnel, and technology and products, which jointly accounted for 74.8% of all articles. Those thematic categories differed markedly in terms of article type, tone, and the number of cited sources. News articles provided extensive information about healthcare resources, and many articles seemed to contain advertising content. However, the content related to complex social issues such as National Health Insurance did not include enough information for the reader to contextualize the issues properly or present the issues systematically.
Conclusions
It can be assumed that the media exert differential influence on individuals through news coverage. Within the present reporting framework, the availability and usefulness of information are likely to depend solely on individuals’ capabilities, such as financial and health literacy; this dependency has a negative impact on knowledge gaps and health inequities.

Summary

Korean summary
암과 관련된 최근 3년간(2015년~2017년) 9개 전국 종합일간지의 보도를 한국언론재단 자료를 기반으로 조사 분석한 결과, 2,806개의 뉴스기사에서 일반적 암 정보, 최신 연구개발 소식, 병원 및 의료진 정보, 의료기기 및 신기술 정보 등 다양한 주제를 다루었다. 주제와 함께 기사 형태, 어조, 정보원을 분석한 결과, 암 관련 뉴스기사는 병원 및 의료진, 의료기기 및 신기술 정보를 중심으로 광고성 내용을 함께 포함하는 경우가 많았고, 건강보험 등 복합 분석이 필요한 주제에서는 심층적이고 포괄적인 분석이 드물고 내용을 단순화하는 경향이 있었다. 이러한 뉴스기사의 보도 틀은 암과 관련된 건강 및 질병 문제의 해결을 개인화하고 결과적으로 정보 격차 및 건강 불평등에 부정적 영향을 미칠 수 있다.

Citations

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Global trends in the value of simulation as a pedagogical tool in oncology: a bibliometric analysis from 2010 to 2024
Ouissam Al Jarroudi, Ahmed Rhassane El Adib, Hind Chibani, Said Afqir, Mohammed Mouhaoui
Medical Education Online.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The Evolution of Simulation as a Teaching Strategy in Oncology: Global Bibliometric Insights
Hongjun Ba, Lili Zhang, Xiufang He, Shujuan Li
Annals of Pharmacy Education, Safety, and Public Health Advocacy.2025; 5(1): 87. CrossRef
Global research trends on precision oncology: A systematic review, bibliometrics, and visualized study
Baoyue Zhang, Bo Ao, Xinyue Lu, Shuang Yang, Pengfei Bao, Hongyun Wang, Ruifeng Li, Youliang Huang
Medicine.2022; 101(43): e31380. CrossRef
Calls to Action (Mobilizing Information) on Cancer in Online News: Content Analysis
Thomas Hongjie Zhang, Jen Sern Tham
Journal of Medical Internet Research.2021; 23(6): e26019. CrossRef
Newspaper representations of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and cancer in a Malaysian newspaper
Su-Hie Ting, Nursilah Kapiten
Communication and Medicine.2021; 17(1): 32. CrossRef

Review

The Protective Effect of Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Childhood Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Case-control Studies: Wan Rosmawati Wan Ismail, Raudah Abdul Rahman, Nur Ashiqin Abd Rahman, Azman Atil, Azmawati Mohammed Nawi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2019;52(4):205-213. Published online July 2, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.19.020

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