Tokyo Gastric Cancer Screening Study
Strengthening gastric cancer screening programs
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a risk-stratified screening approach for gastric cancer in Japan. A second goal of the study is to evaluate cost-effectiveness of gastric cancer screening policies.
What is the Tokyo Gastric Cancer Screening Study?
The Tokyo Gastric Cancer Screening Study is a long-term follow-up study of gastric cancer screening participants in the Tokyo area. The Study collaborates with the Tokyo Medical Association, local medical associations, and municipal government offices in the Tokyo area. The Study will provide useful data for future gastric cancer screening programs in Japan.
Background of the Study
Gastric cancer ranks high in both mortality and incidence rates in Japan. The majority of Japanese gastric cancer cases could be attributed to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, the H. pylori infection rate in Japan is declining. While the current Japanese gastric cancer screening program targets all people above age 50, a more effective and practical screening strategy is needed, focusing on high-risk populations.
The risk-stratified screening approach detects serum anti-H. pylori IgG antibody and serum pepsinogen concentration in blood 1 . This screening method categorizes the population into four groups, based on the risk of developing gastric cancer. This method is becoming more popular because it is less invasive. Additionally, H. pylori gastritis diagnosis and treatment have been covered by Japanese health insurance since 2013.
However, the risk stratification method was not recommended as the preferred mass screening approach in the most updated Japanese gastric cancer screening guideline, due to limited evidence of its effectiveness. We need more research to clarify whether the risk stratification method decreases the mortality rate of gastric cancer.
Baseline survey
Study subjects
The current research targets those who undergo gastric cancer screening in the Tokyo area. Gastric cancer screening includes radiography, endoscopy, and the risk-stratified method.
Study flow
- Participants agree to join the Study by signing a consent form
- Screening
- a) Participants answer a simple lifestyle questionnaire (optional)
- b) Participants undergo gastric cancer screening
- Follow-up survey
- a) A survey will be sent by mail annually for 10 years asking participants about their health (optional)
- b) Incidence of gastric cancer and cause of death will be identified during the follow-up period
For participants
Only Japanese version is available.
Q & A
Only Japanese version is available.
For collaborators
Under construction
Brochure
Only Japanese version is available.
Inquiry
Only Japanese version is available.
Contact us
Principal Investigator: Dr. Manami Inoue
Tokyo Gastric Cancer Screening Study Administrative Office
Epidemiology and Prevention Group
Center for Public Health Sciences, National Cancer Center Japan
Address: 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Japan
Tel: +81-3-3547-5201 (Ext. 3349)
Email: tigan@ml.res.ncc.go.jp
References
1. Miki K. Gastric cancer screening by combined assay for serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody and serum pepsinogen levels - "ABC method". Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci 2011; 87(7): 405-14.
