Socioeconomic Inequalities in Uptake of Cancer Screening in Japan, 2013–2022
Date:
Trends in Socioeconomic Inequalities in Cancer Screening Before and After COVID-19 in Japan
At the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Public Health (JSPH), held in Sapporo, I presented on “Trends in Socioeconomic Inequalities in Cancer Screening Rates Before and After COVID-19 in Japan.”
Talk Overview
- Background & Aim: The study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced cancer screening behaviors across different socioeconomic groups in Japan.
- Methods: Using nationally representative survey data (2013–2022), the analysis focused on disparities in screening uptake by sex and educational attainment.
- Key Findings:
- Overall declines in cancer screening rates were observed after the onset of COVID-19.
- Socioeconomic and educational inequalities widened, with disadvantaged groups showing sharper declines.
- Implications: These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce inequities and ensure resilient screening systems in the context of health crises.