South Korea will lower the national colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45 and switch to colonoscopy as the primary examination method starting 2028. The government also plans to expand lung cancer screening eligibility.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the measures on May 23 after convening the National Cancer Management Committee to approve the Fifth Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan (2026-2030). The initiative aims to boost survival rates and reduce regional disparities, as cancer remains the nation's leading cause of death.
Currently, colorectal cancer screening targets individuals aged 50 and older through a two-stage process: an initial fecal occult blood test followed by colonoscopy only if results are positive. The government is reviewing a shift to colonoscopy every 10 years for those 45 and older. Medical aid recipients would receive free screening, while national health insurance subscribers would typically pay 10% of costs. Specific out-of-pocket amounts will be finalized through the National Health Screening Committee and Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee.
Lung cancer screening protocols will also be revised. The current program offers low-dose CT scans to high-risk individuals aged 54-74 with smoking histories of 30 pack-years or more. The government is considering lowering the starting age and relaxing smoking history requirements based on international practices. Health insurance subscribers currently pay approximately 10,000 won ($7) for lung cancer screening.
The plan targets raising the early detection rate for six major cancers from 57.7% to 60%. While the five-year relative survival rate for these cancers has risen more than 20 percentage points since 2000 to 69.9%, cancer remains the top cause of death domestically. Low screening participation among low-income groups and certain regions remains a challenge.
The government will invest approximately 10 billion won ($7.3 million) in the medium term to upgrade equipment and facilities at 13 regional cancer centers nationwide. The plan establishes a regional self-sufficiency system enabling cancer diagnosis and treatment locally through strengthened cooperation between the National Cancer Center and regional centers.
"Through this comprehensive plan, we have worked to enhance policy effectiveness by strengthening cancer prevention and early diagnosis while establishing an integrated system connecting post-treatment management," said Vice Minister Lee Hyung-hoon, who chairs the National Cancer Management Committee. "The government will push forward without setbacks so that patients across all regions can experience the benefits without any blind spots in cancer care."