Sustainable Breast Cancer Screening from the Patient's Perspective

Abstract

We examined sustainable breast cancer screening from the perspective of cancer education, the standpoint of the general public who undergo medical examinations, and the standpoint of being a patient. Since Heisei 29, cancer education has been implemented in health and physical education in junior and senior high schools to deal with cancer. NPO Cancer Support Kagoshima conducts classes with school teachers at about 190 schools a year to convey cancer knowledge and the importance of life. There has been a change in the willingness to actively undergo cancer screening when students are old enough to be screened. Although it is important to maintain a large system for breast cancer screening, it is important to consider the diverse backgrounds and health risks faced by the examinees. It is natural that there are people with various backgrounds and personalities, and it takes much effort to change them. It is necessary to create a system that allows people of all backgrounds to easily receive medical examinations without burden. In addition, in awareness-raising activities for breast cancer screening, efforts that hurt patients are not allowed. We believe that eliminating prejudice will lead to an increase in the screening rate and its continuation.