1.Determinants of Prostate Cancer Screening in Korean Men: A Nationwide Study Using the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey 2023
Giap Viet NGUYEN ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Hyeon Ji LEE ; EunKyo KANG ; Mina SUH ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Kui Son CHOI
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):539-546
Purpose:
Research on the prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) screening and reasons for undergoing screening is limited. We aimed to identify the factors influencing PCa screening behavior and explore the underlying motivations among Korean men.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2023 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, which employs a nationally representative random sampling method. This study included 1,784 men aged 40-74 years. The respondents reported their experiences with PCa screening. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with participation in PCa screening.
Results:
The lifetime PCa screening rate was 18.6%. Among screening modalities, transrectal ultrasonography was the most frequently used (31.9%), followed by prostate-specific antigen tests (25.6%) and digital rectal examinations (21.5%). The multivariable analysis identified several factors that significantly increased the likelihood of screening participation, including older age, living with a spouse, poor self-reported health, and abstinence from alcohol consumption in the previous 12 months. Men who had undergone colorectal cancer screening were more likely to participate in PCa screening (adjusted odds ratio, 4.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.03 to 7.93) than those who had not. The primary motivations for screening were recommendations from family or social networks (31.9%) and inclusion in health examination packages (24.3%), whereas healthcare provider recommendations (18%) and symptomatic concerns (5.7%) were the least influential.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the importance of providing evidence-based information for PCa screening recommendations and the need for improved communication and implementation of a shared decision-making approach for PCa screening in Korea.
2.Trends in Cancer-Screening Rates in Korea: Findings from the National Cancer Screening Survey, 2004-2023
EunKyo KANG ; Kui Son CHOI ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Yeol KIM ; Hyeon Ji LEE ; Chang Kyun CHOI ; Tae Hee KIM ; Sun Hwa LEE ; Mina SUH
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):28-38
Purpose:
This study aimed to report the overall national trends in the rates of cancer screening based on recommendations and provide insights into the changing trends of these rates across different demographics.
Materials and Methods:
This study used data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), which surveys nationwide cancer-screening rates and includes 4,500 individuals meeting the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) protocol age criteria. Cancer-screening rates were assessed using structured questionnaires; yearly trends were analyzed for both lifetime cancer-screening rates and rates of screening based on recommendations, and subgroup analyses were performed based on age and sex.
Results:
The rates of cancer screening based on recommendations showed significant increments: the stomach cancer-screening rate increased from 39.2% in 2004 to 77.5% in 2023 (3.50% per year), the liver cancer-screening rate increased from 20.0% to 48.8% (4.30% per year), and the colorectal cancer, increased from 19.9% to 70.7% (5.15% per year). The breast cancer-screening rate increased from 33.2% to 72.7% (2.88% per year), and the cervical cancer, increased from 58.3% to 70.2% (1.08% per year). Despite some differences, particularly in relation to sociodemographic factors, screening rates increased significantly for all cancer types.
Conclusion
Cancer-screening rates in Korea increased consistently from 2004 to 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of the national cancer-screening program. However, the increments in breast, cervical and lung cancer-screening rates were relatively lower, indicating the need for additional efforts and strategies.
3.Cost Utility Analysis of National Cancer Screening Program for Gastric Cancer in Korea: A Markov Model Analysis
Seowoo BAE ; Hyewon LEE ; Eun Young HER ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Joon Sung KIM ; Jeonghoon AHN ; Il Ju CHOI ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Kui Son CHOI ; Mina SUH
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(6):e43-
Background:
The Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) for gastric cancer requires economic evaluation due to the low sensitivity of upper gastrointestinal series (UGIs) and the associated low cancer survival rate. This study aimed to ascertain the most cost-effective strategy for the NCSP.
Methods:
The hypothetical target population of this study was aged 40 years or older, and no actual participants were involved. Markov simulation models were constructed for 25 strategies, combinations of 1) screening methods (UGIs or endoscopy vs. endoscopy-only), 2) screening intervals (one, two, or three-year), and 3) upper age limit of screening (69, 74, 79 years old, or “no limit”). Costs, utility, and other input parameters were extracted from various databases and previous studies. Cost-utility, sensitivity, and scenario analyses were conducted.
Results:
The endoscopy-only strategy with a three-year interval with an upper age limit of 69 was the most cost-effective strategy with an incremental cost-utility ratio of KRW 13,354,106 per quality-adjusted life years. According to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the uncertainty of the result was significantly small. Scenario analysis is showed that as the screening rate increased, the endoscopy-only strategy saved more costs compared to the current NCSP. Therefore, it is important to maintain a high screening rate when altering the NCSP strategy.
Conclusion
Endoscopy-only screening was more cost-effective method than UGIs for the NCSP. Furthermore, a three-year interval with an upper-age limit of 69 years was the most cost-effective strategy. Efforts to improve cost-effective screening guidelines will support the efficient use of medical resources. Additionally, maintaining a higher screening rate may maximize the impact of the modification in strategy on cost-effectiveness.
4.Cost Utility Analysis of National Cancer Screening Program for Gastric Cancer in Korea: A Markov Model Analysis
Seowoo BAE ; Hyewon LEE ; Eun Young HER ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Joon Sung KIM ; Jeonghoon AHN ; Il Ju CHOI ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Kui Son CHOI ; Mina SUH
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(6):e43-
Background:
The Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) for gastric cancer requires economic evaluation due to the low sensitivity of upper gastrointestinal series (UGIs) and the associated low cancer survival rate. This study aimed to ascertain the most cost-effective strategy for the NCSP.
Methods:
The hypothetical target population of this study was aged 40 years or older, and no actual participants were involved. Markov simulation models were constructed for 25 strategies, combinations of 1) screening methods (UGIs or endoscopy vs. endoscopy-only), 2) screening intervals (one, two, or three-year), and 3) upper age limit of screening (69, 74, 79 years old, or “no limit”). Costs, utility, and other input parameters were extracted from various databases and previous studies. Cost-utility, sensitivity, and scenario analyses were conducted.
Results:
The endoscopy-only strategy with a three-year interval with an upper age limit of 69 was the most cost-effective strategy with an incremental cost-utility ratio of KRW 13,354,106 per quality-adjusted life years. According to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the uncertainty of the result was significantly small. Scenario analysis is showed that as the screening rate increased, the endoscopy-only strategy saved more costs compared to the current NCSP. Therefore, it is important to maintain a high screening rate when altering the NCSP strategy.
Conclusion
Endoscopy-only screening was more cost-effective method than UGIs for the NCSP. Furthermore, a three-year interval with an upper-age limit of 69 years was the most cost-effective strategy. Efforts to improve cost-effective screening guidelines will support the efficient use of medical resources. Additionally, maintaining a higher screening rate may maximize the impact of the modification in strategy on cost-effectiveness.
5.Determinants of Prostate Cancer Screening in Korean Men: A Nationwide Study Using the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey 2023
Giap Viet NGUYEN ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Hyeon Ji LEE ; EunKyo KANG ; Mina SUH ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Kui Son CHOI
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):539-546
Purpose:
Research on the prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) screening and reasons for undergoing screening is limited. We aimed to identify the factors influencing PCa screening behavior and explore the underlying motivations among Korean men.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2023 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, which employs a nationally representative random sampling method. This study included 1,784 men aged 40-74 years. The respondents reported their experiences with PCa screening. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with participation in PCa screening.
Results:
The lifetime PCa screening rate was 18.6%. Among screening modalities, transrectal ultrasonography was the most frequently used (31.9%), followed by prostate-specific antigen tests (25.6%) and digital rectal examinations (21.5%). The multivariable analysis identified several factors that significantly increased the likelihood of screening participation, including older age, living with a spouse, poor self-reported health, and abstinence from alcohol consumption in the previous 12 months. Men who had undergone colorectal cancer screening were more likely to participate in PCa screening (adjusted odds ratio, 4.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.03 to 7.93) than those who had not. The primary motivations for screening were recommendations from family or social networks (31.9%) and inclusion in health examination packages (24.3%), whereas healthcare provider recommendations (18%) and symptomatic concerns (5.7%) were the least influential.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the importance of providing evidence-based information for PCa screening recommendations and the need for improved communication and implementation of a shared decision-making approach for PCa screening in Korea.
6.Trends in Cancer-Screening Rates in Korea: Findings from the National Cancer Screening Survey, 2004-2023
EunKyo KANG ; Kui Son CHOI ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Yeol KIM ; Hyeon Ji LEE ; Chang Kyun CHOI ; Tae Hee KIM ; Sun Hwa LEE ; Mina SUH
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):28-38
Purpose:
This study aimed to report the overall national trends in the rates of cancer screening based on recommendations and provide insights into the changing trends of these rates across different demographics.
Materials and Methods:
This study used data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), which surveys nationwide cancer-screening rates and includes 4,500 individuals meeting the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) protocol age criteria. Cancer-screening rates were assessed using structured questionnaires; yearly trends were analyzed for both lifetime cancer-screening rates and rates of screening based on recommendations, and subgroup analyses were performed based on age and sex.
Results:
The rates of cancer screening based on recommendations showed significant increments: the stomach cancer-screening rate increased from 39.2% in 2004 to 77.5% in 2023 (3.50% per year), the liver cancer-screening rate increased from 20.0% to 48.8% (4.30% per year), and the colorectal cancer, increased from 19.9% to 70.7% (5.15% per year). The breast cancer-screening rate increased from 33.2% to 72.7% (2.88% per year), and the cervical cancer, increased from 58.3% to 70.2% (1.08% per year). Despite some differences, particularly in relation to sociodemographic factors, screening rates increased significantly for all cancer types.
Conclusion
Cancer-screening rates in Korea increased consistently from 2004 to 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of the national cancer-screening program. However, the increments in breast, cervical and lung cancer-screening rates were relatively lower, indicating the need for additional efforts and strategies.
7.Cost Utility Analysis of National Cancer Screening Program for Gastric Cancer in Korea: A Markov Model Analysis
Seowoo BAE ; Hyewon LEE ; Eun Young HER ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Joon Sung KIM ; Jeonghoon AHN ; Il Ju CHOI ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Kui Son CHOI ; Mina SUH
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(6):e43-
Background:
The Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) for gastric cancer requires economic evaluation due to the low sensitivity of upper gastrointestinal series (UGIs) and the associated low cancer survival rate. This study aimed to ascertain the most cost-effective strategy for the NCSP.
Methods:
The hypothetical target population of this study was aged 40 years or older, and no actual participants were involved. Markov simulation models were constructed for 25 strategies, combinations of 1) screening methods (UGIs or endoscopy vs. endoscopy-only), 2) screening intervals (one, two, or three-year), and 3) upper age limit of screening (69, 74, 79 years old, or “no limit”). Costs, utility, and other input parameters were extracted from various databases and previous studies. Cost-utility, sensitivity, and scenario analyses were conducted.
Results:
The endoscopy-only strategy with a three-year interval with an upper age limit of 69 was the most cost-effective strategy with an incremental cost-utility ratio of KRW 13,354,106 per quality-adjusted life years. According to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the uncertainty of the result was significantly small. Scenario analysis is showed that as the screening rate increased, the endoscopy-only strategy saved more costs compared to the current NCSP. Therefore, it is important to maintain a high screening rate when altering the NCSP strategy.
Conclusion
Endoscopy-only screening was more cost-effective method than UGIs for the NCSP. Furthermore, a three-year interval with an upper-age limit of 69 years was the most cost-effective strategy. Efforts to improve cost-effective screening guidelines will support the efficient use of medical resources. Additionally, maintaining a higher screening rate may maximize the impact of the modification in strategy on cost-effectiveness.
8.Determinants of Prostate Cancer Screening in Korean Men: A Nationwide Study Using the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey 2023
Giap Viet NGUYEN ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Hyeon Ji LEE ; EunKyo KANG ; Mina SUH ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Kui Son CHOI
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):539-546
Purpose:
Research on the prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) screening and reasons for undergoing screening is limited. We aimed to identify the factors influencing PCa screening behavior and explore the underlying motivations among Korean men.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2023 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, which employs a nationally representative random sampling method. This study included 1,784 men aged 40-74 years. The respondents reported their experiences with PCa screening. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with participation in PCa screening.
Results:
The lifetime PCa screening rate was 18.6%. Among screening modalities, transrectal ultrasonography was the most frequently used (31.9%), followed by prostate-specific antigen tests (25.6%) and digital rectal examinations (21.5%). The multivariable analysis identified several factors that significantly increased the likelihood of screening participation, including older age, living with a spouse, poor self-reported health, and abstinence from alcohol consumption in the previous 12 months. Men who had undergone colorectal cancer screening were more likely to participate in PCa screening (adjusted odds ratio, 4.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.03 to 7.93) than those who had not. The primary motivations for screening were recommendations from family or social networks (31.9%) and inclusion in health examination packages (24.3%), whereas healthcare provider recommendations (18%) and symptomatic concerns (5.7%) were the least influential.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the importance of providing evidence-based information for PCa screening recommendations and the need for improved communication and implementation of a shared decision-making approach for PCa screening in Korea.
9.Trends in Cancer-Screening Rates in Korea: Findings from the National Cancer Screening Survey, 2004-2023
EunKyo KANG ; Kui Son CHOI ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Yeol KIM ; Hyeon Ji LEE ; Chang Kyun CHOI ; Tae Hee KIM ; Sun Hwa LEE ; Mina SUH
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):28-38
Purpose:
This study aimed to report the overall national trends in the rates of cancer screening based on recommendations and provide insights into the changing trends of these rates across different demographics.
Materials and Methods:
This study used data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), which surveys nationwide cancer-screening rates and includes 4,500 individuals meeting the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) protocol age criteria. Cancer-screening rates were assessed using structured questionnaires; yearly trends were analyzed for both lifetime cancer-screening rates and rates of screening based on recommendations, and subgroup analyses were performed based on age and sex.
Results:
The rates of cancer screening based on recommendations showed significant increments: the stomach cancer-screening rate increased from 39.2% in 2004 to 77.5% in 2023 (3.50% per year), the liver cancer-screening rate increased from 20.0% to 48.8% (4.30% per year), and the colorectal cancer, increased from 19.9% to 70.7% (5.15% per year). The breast cancer-screening rate increased from 33.2% to 72.7% (2.88% per year), and the cervical cancer, increased from 58.3% to 70.2% (1.08% per year). Despite some differences, particularly in relation to sociodemographic factors, screening rates increased significantly for all cancer types.
Conclusion
Cancer-screening rates in Korea increased consistently from 2004 to 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of the national cancer-screening program. However, the increments in breast, cervical and lung cancer-screening rates were relatively lower, indicating the need for additional efforts and strategies.
10.Cost Utility Analysis of National Cancer Screening Program for Gastric Cancer in Korea: A Markov Model Analysis
Seowoo BAE ; Hyewon LEE ; Eun Young HER ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Joon Sung KIM ; Jeonghoon AHN ; Il Ju CHOI ; Jae Kwan JUN ; Kui Son CHOI ; Mina SUH
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(6):e43-
Background:
The Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) for gastric cancer requires economic evaluation due to the low sensitivity of upper gastrointestinal series (UGIs) and the associated low cancer survival rate. This study aimed to ascertain the most cost-effective strategy for the NCSP.
Methods:
The hypothetical target population of this study was aged 40 years or older, and no actual participants were involved. Markov simulation models were constructed for 25 strategies, combinations of 1) screening methods (UGIs or endoscopy vs. endoscopy-only), 2) screening intervals (one, two, or three-year), and 3) upper age limit of screening (69, 74, 79 years old, or “no limit”). Costs, utility, and other input parameters were extracted from various databases and previous studies. Cost-utility, sensitivity, and scenario analyses were conducted.
Results:
The endoscopy-only strategy with a three-year interval with an upper age limit of 69 was the most cost-effective strategy with an incremental cost-utility ratio of KRW 13,354,106 per quality-adjusted life years. According to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the uncertainty of the result was significantly small. Scenario analysis is showed that as the screening rate increased, the endoscopy-only strategy saved more costs compared to the current NCSP. Therefore, it is important to maintain a high screening rate when altering the NCSP strategy.
Conclusion
Endoscopy-only screening was more cost-effective method than UGIs for the NCSP. Furthermore, a three-year interval with an upper-age limit of 69 years was the most cost-effective strategy. Efforts to improve cost-effective screening guidelines will support the efficient use of medical resources. Additionally, maintaining a higher screening rate may maximize the impact of the modification in strategy on cost-effectiveness.

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