Early Screening and Medical Expense Support... Gwanak-gu Advances Cancer Management Project

National Cancer Early Detection Program and Medical Expense Support Program for Low-Income Groups

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] "I have cancer?" When diagnosed with cancer, everyone experiences negative emotional changes such as fear and resentment, along with mental, physical, and economic hardships caused by cancer treatment.

In response, Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) announced that it will promote various cancer management projects such as the National Cancer Early Screening Program, Medical Expense Support for Cancer Patients, and Cancer Prevention Health Lectures to strengthen the will to live of cancer patients and reduce the economic burden of treatment.

Cancer has been the leading cause of death in South Korea since 1983 (28.3%), and due to environmental changes, rapid aging, and changes in disease structure, 220,000 new cancer patients occur annually.

However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), one-third of cancer cases can be prevented by practicing healthy lifestyle habits, and another one-third can be completely cured through early diagnosis and treatment.

Accordingly, the district promotes the National Cancer Early Screening Program to help cancer patients detect cancer early and receive timely treatment. The "five major cancers"?▲stomach cancer ▲liver cancer ▲colorectal cancer ▲breast cancer ▲cervical cancer?can be detected early through relatively simple tests, making encouragement for screening especially important.

Since early detection allows for over 90% cure rates, the district is making every effort to improve screening rates through various promotions such as phone calls and text messages encouraging cancer screening, production and distribution of flyers, and cooperation with the National Health Insurance Service.

Additionally, for low-income cancer patients, the Medical Expense Support for Cancer Patients program reduces their economic burden and lowers barriers to medical use, thereby increasing treatment rates. Eligibility criteria and support amounts for medical expense assistance can be inquired about and applied for by contacting the Gwanak-gu Public Health Center’s Community Health Division.

The district also focuses on education to raise awareness of the importance of cancer prevention and the necessity of screening. In July and October, 'Cancer Prevention Health Lectures' with cancer specialists in various fields will be held, and on September 17, a 'Free Prostate Screening and Education' session will be conducted targeting men aged 55 and older in Gwanak-gu.

Mayor Park Jun-hee stated, "Through various cancer management projects, we will strive to minimize cancer incidence by encouraging healthy living and early screening among residents. We will do our best to reduce the economic burden caused by cancer treatment costs and provide social and psychological support so that cancer patients can maintain their will to live and enjoy a healthy life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.