Abstract
In order to evaluate the validity of cancer screening by ultrasound in accordance with the “Manual for Screening by Abdominal Ultrasound,” we have reviewed the literature. Based on the review, we propose to count the number of first-time evaluations in addition to the total number of examinations. We also propose to include cancers of unintended organs and/or metastasis to the liver, lymph nodes, and peritoneum, not just the primary cancers of the tested organs. A false negative result is defined as a case where the diagnosis following cancer screening by abdominal ultrasound was “normal” (Follow-up Recommendation Level A) or “minor abnormality” (Follow-up Recommendation Level B), but was later found to be cancer(s) within a year. A population-based cancer registry is useful for researching false negative cases. Information included in a population-based cancer registry may be used in entering stages and treatment outcomes for each cancer found. The duration and rate of survival can be calculated based on data from the population-based cancer registry. We plan to list the disadvantages of tests such as procedural accidents and explain them to the examinee. Our long-term objective is to see whether cancer screening by ultrasound reduces the mortality rate and number of deaths, as direct evidence of efficacy assessment.
