South Korea will lower the eligibility age for national colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 and switch the testing method to colonoscopy starting in 2028. The government also plans to expand lung cancer screening coverage.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on Friday the 5th Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan (2026-2030) following approval by the National Cancer Management Committee. The plan covers the entire cancer care cycle, from prevention and screening to treatment, survivor management, end-of-life care, and research and data advancement.
The current colorectal cancer screening program uses a two-stage structure for those aged 50 and above: 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 pay approximately 10% of costs. Specific cost-sharing amounts will be finalized through the National Health Screening Committee and the Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee.
Lung cancer screening protocols will also be revised. Currently, low-dose CT scans are offered to high-risk individuals aged 54-74 with a smoking history of 30 pack-years or more. The government is considering lowering the starting age and relaxing smoking history requirements based on practices in other major countries. The current out-of-pocket cost for lung cancer screening for health insurance subscribers is approximately 10,000 won.
The government aims to raise the early detection rate for the 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 leading cause of death in Korea. Low screening participation rates among low-income groups and certain regions remain a challenge.
The plan allocates approximately 10 billion won over the medium term to upgrade equipment and facilities and strengthen clinical capabilities at 13 regional cancer centers nationwide. The government intends to establish a regional self-sufficiency system enabling cancer diagnosis and treatment within local areas through enhanced cooperation between the National Cancer Center and regional cancer centers.
"Through this comprehensive plan, we have worked to enhance the effectiveness of cancer management policies by strengthening cancer prevention and early diagnosis while establishing a system that organically connects post-treatment care," said Vice Minister Lee Hyung-hoon, who chairs the National Cancer Management Committee. "The government will push forward without delay to ensure that patients and communities can feel the benefits, leaving no one in a blind spot for cancer care."