Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a well-established cancer screening method, and its effectiveness depends on maintaining a high participation rate in the target population. In this study, we analyzed the trends in CRC screening participation rates over 10 years in Minamisoma City, where residents were forced to evacuate after the 2011 triple disaster in Fukushima, Japan. The immunochemical fecal occult blood test is provided as municipal CRC screening. We calculated the annual CRC screening participation rate and analyzed the factors associated with participation in screening. Overall, 4069 (12.3%) and 3839 (11.7%) persons participated in CRC screening in 2009 and 2010, respectively; however, the number decreased significantly to 1090 (3.4%) in 2011 when the earthquake occurred. Over the following 3 years, the rate gradually recovered. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that age < 65 years, living alone, and evacuation were significant associated factors for non-participation after 2011 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the CRC screening participation rate decreased significantly during the Great East Japan Earthquake but recovered over the next 3 years. Further analysis of factors preventing CRC screening participation and research on the long-term effects of its post-disaster decline are important to consider in assessing the need for intervention in post-disaster cancer screening.
Highlights
Cancer screening aims to promote early cancer detection in an apparently healthy population and to encourage its treatment
We present the trends in Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening participation rate over 10 years before and after the disaster in Minamisoma City, located 14 to 38 km from the nuclear power plant and one of the areas most affected by the disaster
The population of Minamisoma City consists of groups that were affected in different ways by the evacuation
Summary
Cancer screening aims to promote early cancer detection in an apparently healthy population and to encourage its treatment. The number of newly diagnosed cancer patients decreased in the 2 years following Hurricane Katrina[11], and it is estimated that Hurricane Katrina worsened the subsequent cancer mortality in the affected population[7,10]. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck eastern Japan on March 11, 2011, followed by the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, have raised concerns about the long-term health effects of the residents Far, these triple disasters have claimed 19,729 lives and resulted in over 470,000 evacuations in Japan[15]. We present the trends in CRC screening participation rate over 10 years before and after the disaster in Minamisoma City, located 14 to 38 km from the nuclear power plant and one of the areas most affected by the disaster. Clarifying the long-term trend in CRC screening in Minamisoma City will enable us to identify the challenges in the medium and long terms after the disaster
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