Japan's government updates basic plan to tackle cancer by improving screening

The Japanese government has compiled an updated version of its basic plan for tackling cancer, putting emphasis on early detection of the disease by increasing numerical targets for checkups.

Statistics show that one in every two people in Japan is likely to contract cancer in his or her lifetime.

The plan contains concrete measures for the upcoming six years and was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The latest version maintains three pillars that were set out in the previous plan, under which challenges should be identified and effective countermeasures introduced. The pillars are prevention, treatment and support for cancer patients.

The plan also raised the numerical target for the ratio of people receiving cancer checkups from the current 50 percent to 60 percent, by coordinating with local governments and corporate employers.

The plan also focused on the situation where an increasing number of therapeutic drugs used overseas are yet to be approved in Japan. The plan urges promoting more clinical tests in Japan, as well as a possible review of the country's drug approval system.

It also urges promoting digitization to allow cancer patients and their families to see doctors and receive counselling or clinical tests online.

Health minister Kato Katsunobu told reporters that the plan aims at leaving no one behind in terms of fighting cancer. He added that the government will work further with the public toward the goal of bringing the disease under control.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230328_11/