Worksite Cancer Screening Research Articles

Analysis of population-based and worksite cancer screening in Japan

Abstract Background In some European countries, cancer screening is conducted and evaluated by the nation. In Japan, about half of cancer screenings are conducted by the government or local governments, while the other half is in a worksite, conducted by business owners and insurers as part of a welfare program. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) have prepared guidelines for cancer screening in worksite and provided specific recommendation methods to practitioners. For an understanding of its use does not progress, it is necessary to identify problems. Methods A research group, organized by the MHLW grant, surveyed 20 major insurers in Japan about the guidelines for cancer screening in worksite. The contents of the questionnaire are related to the establishment of a system with a view to organizing screening, and consist of a total of 45 items. Answers to these questions were obtained in the following format. (1. Yes, 2. No, 3. Can't answer, 4. Can't understand the meaning of the question) Results Around 30% of insurers were able to answer all items, but 70% were not able to answer any items. Approximately 10% of the respondents answered that they had implemented the items in the guidelines, while 70% did not, and 20% can't answer or can't understand the meaning of the question. The reasons for not being able to answer were that the terms were difficult to understand, there was no need to grasp the data of cancer screening, and there was a legal problem and personal information could not be obtained. Conclusions This suggests that employers and insurers differ in their understanding of cancer screening, resulting in various implementations and evaluations. In order to establish organized screening in the whole country, it is necessary to develop a system that can also evaluate data, such as cancer screenings and health check conducted in worksite. It is also important to improve the literacy of cancer screening practitioners. Key messages Integrating cancer screening across the country. Improving the literacy of cancer screening practitioners.

Worksite Cancer Screening and Nutrition Intervention for High-Risk Auto Workers: Design and Baseline Findings of the Next Step Trial

Background.This article describes the design and baseline findings of The Next Step Trial, a health promotion intervention targeting automobile industry employees at increased colorectal cancer risk. The intervention encouraged colorectal cancer screening participation and adoption of low-fat, high-fiber diets.Methods.Twenty-eight worksites (n= 5,042) were randomized to control (a company- sponsored screening program) or intervention (an enhanced screening program including a personalized educational booklet and motivational telephone call and diet-change program including nutrition classes, self-help materials, and computer-generated personalized feedback). Outcomes included screening compliance and fat and fiber intake.Results.Pretrial data indicated targeted employees were predominantly older, well educated, married, Caucasian men. Sixty-one percent (SE = 2) participated in the screening program in the preceding 2 years, and 24% (SE = 1) reported a history of colorectal polyps or cancer. Fifty-eight percent of the cohort responded to the baseline questionnaire; respondents were older and more educated; more were married, retired, and Caucasian than nonrespondents. Mean dietary intakes were 36.9% energy from fat (SE = 0.21), 8.8 g fiber/1,000 kcal (SE = 0.07), and 3.4 servings of fruits and vegetables per day (SE = 0.04).Conclusions.Baseline data show moderate screening participation and dietary intakes that did not meet guidelines; hence intervention efforts were warranted. Data from this trial will support a rigorous test of whether this high-risk employee population is responsive to targeted health promotion, early cancer detection, and prevention interventions.