Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a survey regarding implementation of cancer screening in all municipalities in Japan.
Methods: In February 2003, we sent out a questionnaire regarding cancer screening to all 3,242 municipalities in Japan.
Results: A total of 2,342 municipalities (72.2%) completed and returned the questionnaire. In the year 2002, the percentages of municipalities which implemented each cancer screening were 49.4% for breast cancer using mammography, 33.7% for prostate cancer, 20.3% for cervical cancer for women younger than 30 years old, 5.7% for lung cancer using helical CT, 5.0% for gastric cancer using the PG method and 4.8% for ovarian cancer.
Conclusions: Screening for breast cancer using mammography, as recommended by the 4-th plan for Health Services for the Aged, was implemented by less than half of the municipalities. Parameters, including eligible age group, target group, and method, widely differed among the municipalities. A standardized system for cancer screening programs should be recommended.