• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.3369-3373
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• 2013

Oral cancer is a global health burden with high mortality and morbidity. Advances in treatment have failed to improve the relatively poor survival rate due to late-stage diagnosis. Early detection and screening have been shown to be effective in reducing mortality and morbidity of most common cancers. Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of oral cancer screening programs but clear results were not obtained. This narrative commentary aimed to give a critical insight into the dilemma of oral cancer screening and to suggest recommendations for future trends. Conventional oral examination still constitutes the gold standard screening tool for potentially malignant oral lesions and cancer. Interestingly, the findings of the most lasting (15-year) randomized controlled trial on oral cancer screening using visual examination (Kerala) supported the introduction of a screening program in high-risk individuals. Several screening adjuncts exist but are still not at the introduction stage. Further research to find an appropriate adjunct reliable tool for oral cancer screening is needed. In conclusion, oral cancer fulfills most of the essential principles of cancer screening but still many points need to be clarified. Therefore, there is a striking need to establish a global consortium on oral cancer screening that will oversee research and provide recommendations for health authorities at regular intervals.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.52-60
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• 2012

Purpose: This study is to determine knowledge about early detection and risk perception of cancer according to taking cancer screening tests in the general population. Methods: The participants were 151 people aged 40 years or older. A questionnaire consisted of knowledge about early detection (warning signs, cancer screening methods, general knowledge for early detection), cancer risk perception and history of cancer screening during past 2 years. Results: The percentages of correct answers were 64.7% in knowledge about warning signs, 73.7% in knowledge of cancer screening tests and 80.1% in general knowledge for early detection. Participants had the highest knowledge about screening methods for stomach cancer and the lowest for liver and colon cancer. The level of risk perception was medium. The participants who participated in cancer screening showed lower risk perception than those who did not. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and performance of cancer screening. The primary reason for not participating in cancer screening was patient's perception of their own health. Conclusion: These results suggest that cancer risk perception can affect the performance of cancer screening and we need to study how to handle this problem. Additionally screening programs should focus on liver cancer and colon cancer.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.31
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• pp.7.1-7.6
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• 2016

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate radiation exposure resulting from the comprehensive health examinations of selected university hospital programs and to present basic data for research and management strategies on the health effects of medical radiation exposure. Methods Radiation-based diagnostic studies of the comprehensive health examination programs of ten university hospitals in Seoul, Korea, as introduced in their websites, were analyzed. The medical radiation studies of the programs were reviewed by radiologists. Only the effective doses of the basic studies were included in the analysis. The optional studies of the programs were excluded. Results Among the 190 comprehensive health examination programs, 132 programs (69.5%) included computed tomography studies, with an average of 1.4 scans. The average effective dose of radiation by program was 3.62 mSv for an intensive program for specific diseases; 11.12 mSv for an intensive program for cancer; 18.14 mSv for a premium program; and 24.08 mSv for an overnight program. A higher cost of a programs was linked to a higher effective dose (r=0.812). The effective doses of the examination programs for the same purposes differed by as much as 2.1 times by hospital. Inclusion of positron emission tomography-computed tomography was the most critical factor in determining the level of effective dose. Conclusions It was found that radiation exposure dose from comprehensive health exam programs targeted for an asymptomatic, healthy public reached between 3.6 and 24 times the annual dose limit for the general public. Relevant management policies at the national level should be provided to minimize medical radiation exposure.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.85-92
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• 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers and is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Based on the current screening guidelines by the American Cancer Society and Korean multi-society expert committee, CRC screening is recommended in asymptomatic adults starting at the age of 45 years. Fecal immunochemical test-based screening programs reduce the development of CRC and related mortality in the general population. However, this most popular CRC screening strategy demonstrates a crucial limitation due to modest diagnostic accuracy. Colonoscopy may be considered as an alternative primary method for CRC screening; however, its implementation can still be challenging due to concerns regarding invasiveness, low adherence, cost-effectiveness, and quality assurance. To overcome the limitations of current screening tests, innovative noninvasive tests for CRC screening have been developed with advances in molecular biology, genetics, epigenetics, and microbiomics for detecting CRC, which may enhance the approach to CRC screening and diagnosis in clinical practice in the near future. This review explores the emerging screening methods and discusses their potential for integration into current practice.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7485-7489
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women throughout the world. However, in comparison with Western women, it presents relatively early in women of Asian ethnicity. Early menarche, late menopause, use of OCP's, family history of benign or malignant breast disease, exposure to radiation and BMI in the under-weight range are well known risk factors for the development of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Early detection with the use of breast self-examination (BSE) and breast cancer screening programs can lead to a reduction in the mortality rates due to breast cancer. The aim of our study was to assess the risk factors for breast cancer among young women and to emphasize the importance of early screening among them. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among women aged 18 to 25 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected over a period of 6 months from June to December, 2014. A total of 300 young women selected randomly from Dow Medical College and various departments of Karachi University successfully completed the survey. Results: Respondents were 18-25 years of age (mean age=21.5). Out of the 300 young females, 90 (30%) had at least one risk factor, 90 (30%) had two, 40 (13%) had three, 8 (2.7%) had four, 2 (0.7%) had five while one female was found to have six positive risk factors for breast cancer. Some 66 women (22%) experienced symptoms of breast cancer such as non-cyclical pain and lumps. While 222 women (74%) had never performed breast self-examination, 22 (7.3%) had had a breast examination done by a health professional while 32 (10.7%) had participated in breast screening programs. A total of 223 (74.3%) women considered breast cancer screening important for young women. Conclusions: The percentage of young women with risk factors for breast cancer was found to be alarmingly high. Therefore, screening for breast cancer should start at an early age especially in high risk groups. Awareness about breast self-examination should be emphasized. Moreover, screening programs should be started to ensure early detection and reduction of mortality rates caused by breast cancer also in young Pakistani females.

• Journal of Korea Association of Health Promotion
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.73-96
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• 2004

Along with a development of medical technology, a variety of tests, such as laboratory tests, x-ray and endoscopies are being used in health screening tests. As the tests determine the quality of health screening, test items and methods should be carefully selected. This study was to get hold of the test items of major health screening programs in Korea Most of the health screening programmes focused upon detection of risk factors and diagnosis of life - style related diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, drinking, smoking, cerebrovascular diseases, osteoporosis) ,cancers (stomach, cervix, lung, breast, liver, colon, prostate, ovary, pancreas, thyroid, esophagus) , infectious diseases (hepatitis, tuberculosis, sexually-transmitted diseases, parasites) , chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, chronic renal diseases (bacteriuria hematuria, proteinuria) , anemia, glaucoma, hearing loss, Alzheimer disease, stress, early psychiatric diseases. The health screening tests were basic physical examination, basic laboratory tests (CBC, urinalysis, liver function tests, lipid tests, glucose, HbAlc, uric acid, electrolytes, serological tests (HBsAg, HBs-Ab, HCV-Ab, HIV-Ab, VDRL) EKG, x-ray (chest PA, CT) , endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy) , sonography(abdomen, thyroid, pelvis, breast) ,cytology (cervix) , bone density, tumor markets (NMP22, alpha-FP, CEA, CA-19-9, CA12S, PSA) and eye tests. Advanced technologies, like CT, PET, MRI, MRT/Angio, molecular testings) were widely used in hospital health screening programmes .In summary, a variety of tests were utilized in health screening in Korea. Those tests were utilized by stages or according to sex and age in most of health screening programmes, however a few program used tests to excess disregarding health screening subjects.

• Journal of Korea Association of Health Promotion
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.215-230
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• 2004

Along with a development of medical technology, a variety of tests, such as laboratory tests, x-ray and endoscopies are being used in health screening tests. As the tests determine the quality of health screening, test items and methods should be carefully selected. This study was to get hold of the test items of major health screening programs in Korea. Most of the health screening programmes focused upon detection of risk factors and diagnosis of life-style related diseases(diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, drinking, smoking, cerebrovascular diseases, osteoporosis) ,cancers(stomach, cervix, lung, breast, liver, colon, prostate, ovary, pancreas, thyroid, esophagus), infectious diseases (hepatitis, tuberculosis, sexually-transmitted diseases, parasites),chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, chronic renal diseases(bacteriuria, hematuria, proteinuria), anemia, glaucoma, hearing loss, Alzheimer disease, stress, early Psychiatric diseases. The health screening tests were basic physical examination, basic laboratory tests(CBC, urinalysis, liver function tests, lipid tests, glucose, HbAlc, uric acid, electrolytes, serological tests(HBsAg, HBs-Ab, HCV-Ab, HIV-Ab, VDRL) EKG, x-ray(chest PA, CT), endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy) , sonography(abdormen, thyroid, pelvis, breast) , cytology(cervix) ,bone density, tumor markers(NMP22, alpha-FP, CEA, CA-19-9, CA12S, PSA) and eye tests. Advanced technologies, like CT, PET, MIRI, MIRI/Angio, molecular testings) were widely usedin hospital health screening programmes. In summary, a variety of were utilized by stages or programmes, however a few subjects. tests were utilized in health screening in Korea. Those tests according to sex and age in most of health screening program used tests to excess disregarding health screening subject.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.141-146
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• 2023

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. The occurrence of colon cancer can be prevented by removing precursor lesions. Several countries are making efforts to prevent the occurrence of colon cancer via screening programs. Korea is also following suite by screening individuals < 50 years of age. Currently, the incidence of colon cancer among the young is increasing globally, and Korea has a high colon cancer incidence rate among individuals in their 20s and 40s. Therefore, it may be necessary to start the screening individuals < 50 years of age to detect the cancer's manifestation early. Moreover, advanced adenomas associated with poor prognosis can be detected early, the overall screening rate can be increased, and death from colon cancer at a young age can be prevented. Although the period of colorectal cancer screening has been expanded, the overall colorectal cancer screening rate has not. Additionally, increasing the screening rate among individuals > 50 years could reduce the mortality rate at a lower cost. Although the incidence of colon cancer is increasing in younger individuals, the evidence to conclude that screening at the age of < 50 years has a meaningful impact on the incidence and survival rates of colon cancer remains insufficient. Therefore, rather than following the trend and performing screening early, an approach that actively selects cases where tests for colorectal cancer diagnosis are required is warranted.

• Journal of Korea Association of Health Promotion
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.9-25
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• 2004

Along with a development of medical technology, a variety of tests, such as laboratory tests, x-ray and endoscopies are being used in health screening tests. As the tests determine the quality of health screening, test items of major health screening program in Korea. Most, of the health screening programmes focused upon detection of risk factors and diagnosis of life-style related diseases(diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, drinking, smoking, cerebrovascular diseases, osteoporosis), cancers(stomach, cervix, lung, breast, liver, colon, prostate, ovary, pancreas, thyroid, esophagus), infections diseases(hepatitis, tuberculosis, sexually-transmitted diseases, parasites), chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, chronic renal diseases(bacteriuria, hematuria, proteinuria), anemia, glaucoma, hearing loss, Alzheimer disease, stress and earlypsychiatric diseases. The health screening tests were basic physical examination, basic laboratory tests( CBC, urinalysis, liver function tests, lipid tests, glucose, HbA1c, uric acid, electrolytes, serological tests(HBsAg, HBs-Ab, HCV-Ab, HIV-Ab, VDRL) EKG, x-ray(chest PA, CT) endoscopy(gastroscopy, colonoscopy), sonography (abdomen, thyroid, pelvis, breast), cytology(cervix), bone density, tumor markers(NMP22, alpha-FP, CEA, CA-19-9, CA125, PSA and eye tests. Advanced technologies, like CT, PET, MRI, MRI/Angio, molecular testing were widly used in hospital based health screening programmes. In summary, a variety of tests were untilized in health screening in Korea. Those tests were utilized by stages or according to sex and age in most of health screening programmes, however a few programs used tests excessvely disregarding health screening subjects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.2549-2554
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• 2016

Background: Early detection remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control in terms of outcome and survival. Thus far the only breast cancer screening method proven effective is mammography. The awareness of female health care workers (HCW) about breast cancer prevention is of vital importance, as their beliefs and behavior may have a major impact on other women. This study was designed to assess mammography screening uptake among female healthcare workers at primary healthcare centers, and to identify the primary motivators and barriers that affect uptake results. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study design was used to assess mammography screening by 299 female healthcare workers who completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed demographics, screening uptake, motivators and barriers. Results: The mean age was 46 years (within age of risk). The majority (95.1%) demonstrated adequate knowledge about breast cancer and mammography screening and 50% of the participants reported having at least one mammogram; however only 21% of them had regularly scheduled mammograms. The most frequent reported motivator was the perceived benefit that early detection of breast cancer is important for its management (89.6%), followed by the belief that mammography can detect breast cancer before its symptoms appear (84.4%). On the other hand, the most frequent barrier reported was being busy (46.7%), followed by the lack of perceived susceptibility (41.5%). Conclusions: Mammography screening was found to be sub-optimal in a population of HCW's with 50 % stating that they received a mammogram at least once, and a minority reported regular screening. There is a pressing need for educational programs aimed at removing the barriers that limit compliance with recommendations for mammography screening, and to emphasize the importance of early detection in breast cancer treatment. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of screening services, particularly for healthcare workers within their work settings are other important factors that would improve the acceptance and compliance for mammography screening programs.