J Korean Med Assoc.  2002 Aug;45(8):972-980. 10.5124/jkma.2002.45.8.972.

The Usefulness and Current Status of the Screening Program for Early Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Han KH
• Park JW

• KMID: 2347553
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2002.45.8.972

Abstract

The incidence and death rate of hepathocellular carcinoma (HCC) both rank third in Korea (death rate 21.3 per 100,000 in 2000) and HCC is a major health issue in Korea. HCC causes substantial morbidity and mortality and the results of treatments for advanced HCC are still disappinting. Considering the high incidence, death rate, and poor prognosis of HCC, it is necessary to establish a national screening program by evaluating the validity. The Korean Association for the Study of the Liver (KASL) and National Cancer Center (NCC) cooperatively developed and recently released HCC screening/surveillance recommendation. The target population is patients with chronic hepatits B and C and cirrhosis of any cause, over 30 years of age in male and 40 years of age in female. The surveillance tests consist of serum alpha-fetoprotein and abdominal ultrasonography at least every 6 months. Korean national program for the early detection of cancer will start the HCC screening/surveillance program in the low economic classes from 2003, based on KASL-NCC recommendations. The efficacy of this HCC survaillance program would be worthy of attention.

Keyword

Hepatocellular carcinoma; Screening test

MeSH Terms

alpha-Fetoproteins
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*
Early Detection of Cancer
Early Diagnosis*
Female
Fibrosis
Health Services Needs and Demand
Humans
Incidence
Korea
Liver
Male
Mass Screening*
Mortality
Prognosis
Ultrasonography
alpha-Fetoproteins