J Liver Cancer.  2020 Mar;20(1):53-59. 10.17998/jlc.20.1.53.

A Survey of Liver Cancer Specialists’ Views on the National Liver Cancer Screening Program in Korea

• Sohn W
• Lee YS
• Lee JG
• An J
• Jang ES
• Lee DH
• Sinn DH

• KMID: 2505842
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.20.1.53

Abstract

Background/Aims
To reduce the cancer burden, the Korean government initiated the National Cancer Control Plan including the National Liver Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP). Ultrasonography examinations and α-fetoprotein tests at six-month intervals are currently offered for high-risk individuals. High-risk individuals are identified by reviewing the National Health Insurance Service claims data for medical use for the past two years using International Classification of Diseases Codes for specific liver disease. We surveyed the attitudes and opinions towards the NLCSP to understand the issues surrounding the NLCSP in Korea.
Methods
Altogether, 90 Korean Liver Cancer Association members participated in online and offline surveys between November and December 2019.
Results
Approximately one-quarter (27%) of the survey participants rated the NLCSP as very contributing and about two-thirds (68%) as contributing to some extent toward reducing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-related deaths in Korea. Most (87.8%) responded that the current process of identifying high-risk individuals needs improvement. Many (78.9%) were concerned that the current process identifies individuals who use medical services and paradoxically misses those who do not. When asked for the foremost priority for improvement, solving ‘duplication issues between the NLCSP and private clinic HCC screening practices’ was the most commonly selected choice (23.3%).
Conclusions
The survey participants positively rated the role of the NLCSP in reducing liver cancer deaths. However, many participants rated the NCLSP as needing improvement in all areas. This survey can be a relevant resource for future health policy decisions regarding the NLCSP in Korea.

Keyword

Hepatocellular carcinoma; National Cancer Screening Program; Survey

Figure

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  Figure 1. Survey participant assessment of the status of the National Liver Cancer Screening Program. Values are presented as %.

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  Figure 2. Assessment of the priority for improvement of the National Liver Cancer Screening Program according to survey participants.

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  Figure 3. Assessment of the needs for improvement in certain areas of the National Liver Cancer Screening Program according to survey participants.

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