Cancer Screening Programs in South-east Asia and Western Pacific

Overview

Journal BMC Health Serv Res

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Health Services

Date 2024 Jan 18

PMID 38238704

Authors

Hwee-Lin Wee

Karen Canfell

Han-Mo Chiu

Kui Son Choi

Brian Cox

Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy

Kate T Simms

Chisato Hamashima

Qianyu Shen

Brandon Chua

Niyomsri Siwaporn

Esther Toes-Zoutendijk

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The burden of cancer can be altered by screening. The field of cancer screening is constantly evolving; from the initiation of program for new cancer types as well as exploring innovative screening strategies (e.g. new screening tests). The aim of this study was to perform a landscape analysis of existing cancer screening programs in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.

Methods: We conducted an overview of cancer screening in the region with the goal of summarizing current designs of cancer screening programs. First, a selective narrative literature review was used as an exploration to identify countries with organized screening programs. Second, representatives of each country with an organized program were approached and asked to provide relevant information on the organizations of their national or regional cancer screening program.

Results: There was wide variation in the screening strategies offered in the considered region with only eight programs identified as having an organized design. The majority of these programs did not meet all the essential criteria for being organized screening. The greatest variation was observed in the starting and stopping ages.

Conclusions: Essential criteria of organized screening are missed. Improving organization is crucial to ensure that the beneficial effects of screening are achieved in the long-term. It is strongly recommended to consider a regional cancer screening network.

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