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[Mass screening for prostate cancer in Japan]
S Akimoto1, T Ichikawa, J Shimazaki
1Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Chiba University.
Summary
Mass screening for prostate cancer in Japan since 1975 shows a 0.69% detection rate. Early-stage diagnoses are common, with PSA levels similar to North American populations.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Public Health
- Oncology
Context:
- Prostate cancer mass screening has been conducted in Japan since 1975.
- Data analysis by the Prostate Research Foundation covers nationwide screening efforts.
- Previous studies indicate variations in prostate cancer staging between screened populations and hospital-based patients.
Purpose:
- To analyze the outcomes of mass screening for prostate cancer in Japan.
- To evaluate the detection rate and cancer staging in a screened population.
- To examine the distribution of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in Japanese men.
Summary:
- Over 67,000 subjects were screened up to 1993, with a 0.69% prostate cancer detection rate.
- Screening in Chiba prefecture (1985-1993) identified 17 cancers (0.87%), with predominantly early-stage diagnoses.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in Chiba prefecture screened subjects showed a distribution comparable to US and Canadian data.
Impact:
- Findings suggest mass screening can detect prostate cancer, often at earlier stages.
- The study highlights potential differences in cancer staging compared to clinical diagnoses.
- PSA level distribution provides a benchmark for screening programs in Japan.