Abstract
The history of abdominal screening by the ultrasonic method in Japan and its current condition in Kagoshima Prefecture were analyzed. Future issues and measures that were clarified from the results of a survey conducted on sonographers in Kagoshima Prefecture were described. 1) For dissemination of a manual for abdominal ultrasound in cancer screening and health checkups, it is essential to promote awareness at each facility and seek the facility's understanding. 2) Regarding screening accuracy, the most important factor is improvement of the knowledge and skills of sonographers, who perform the screening. Establishment of environments that increase opportunities for sonographers to improve their skills is also an issue. 3) It is important for not only sonographers, but also doctors of judgment, and the physicians at the medical institutions at which detailed examinations are performed to have a common understanding of abdominal screening by the ultrasonic method. For certain findings, it is necessary to carefully select the medical institution at which detailed examinations are performed. 4) Abdominal screening by the ultrasonic method is highly significant not only for cancer screening, but also for the diagnosis of lifestyle-related diseases. This advantage should be used for the benefit of the individuals undergoing screening to a greater extent. This is my personal opinion, but in order to solve these issues, it is necessary to have an organization that leads abdominal screening by ultrasonic method as a whole under a strong leadership in each area.
