ASOURCE Times

The number of people undergoing medical examinations decreased to two-thirds of the previous year

Due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the number of people undergoing health examinations and cancer screenings has decreased significantly. According to a survey conducted by the Japan Society for General Health Examination and the National Federation of Occupational Health Organizations targeting member facilities, the number of health examination examinees from January to September 2020 was about 14 million, which was about 21 million in the same period of the previous year. It was found that the number of people decreased by about 7 million compared to the number of people (Fig.). In addition, according to a joint survey by the Japan Cancer Society, the Tuberculosis Prevention Association, and the Central Association for Preventive Medicine, the number of people undergoing medical examinations such as cancer screenings and specific medical examinations from February to July 2020 was 76.4% compared to the previous year in institutional medical examinations. , It became clear that the number dropped to 56.4% in the mobile health examination.

On the other hand, looking at the facilities that conduct medical examinations, the General Medical Examination Medical Association requested the medical examination facilities in the target area to cooperate with the temporary suspension of operations after the state of emergency was declared in April 2020, and the medical examinations were carried out accordingly. 38.9% of the facilities were completely suspended, and 46% were partially suspended. As a result, the number of examinees decreased by nearly 80% from April to May, and after that, the number of medical examination facilities recovered to nearly 90% compared to the previous year, but the number of examinees did not return to the original level.

From the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Society for Comprehensive Medical Examination called for infection control measures centered on washing hands, thoroughly disinfecting hands with alcohol, wearing masks, and adequate ventilation. In addition, branches such as the Cancer Society have taken measures to alleviate the anxiety of the examinees, such as preparing a manual for countermeasures against new coronavirus infection and countermeasures when an infected person appears in the examinees and staff, and the number of examinees. We are continuing our efforts for recovery.

Japan General Health Examination Medical Association, National Federation of Occupational Health Organizations Cumulative number of monthly medical examinations

Adverse effects on the health of non-examinees

There are various concerns about the decrease in the number of people undergoing medical examinations. According to the Cancer Society, "Early detection and early treatment are important in the treatment of cancer. Originally, the rate of cancer screening in Japan is low, and the number of cancer screening examinees has decreased significantly, so the number of early detections has increased. There is a risk that it will decrease further. Even if the risk of infection with corona can be reduced by not undergoing screening, if the cancer progresses during that time, the patient will fall over. "

On the other hand, it is also suggested that the prolonged self-restraint may have an effect on health. The Niigata Prefectural Occupational Health Medical Association has conducted medical examination data for 4,634 people who received medical examinations in 2018 and 2019 out of the approximately 29,000 people who underwent human docks and regular medical examinations in May 2020 after the period of refraining from going out. We investigated the changes in. As a result, the abnormal rate increased in many items, and the abnormalities of blood pressure, triglyceride, and liver function were particularly conspicuous. Many of the examinees said that they had lost exercise and gained weight due to the effect of the period of refraining from going out. It is possible that the effects on habits continue. I would like you to have an early medical examination to check if there are any abnormalities in your body. "

What the health check facility should do

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important to prevent infection to high-risk people such as the elderly, but some have pointed out the harmful effects of excessive self-restraint of the elderly. One of them is the vicious cycle of being afraid of corona, staying at home, weakening muscles, reducing communication with others and becoming frail, weakening immunity and increasing the risk of infection. It can be said that the motivation is important because the health examination is an opportunity to encourage the elderly to go out.

The Comprehensive Medical Examination Medical Association has created a checklist to ensure the safety of examinees and staff, and posters certifying the "new coronavirus infection control implementation facility" for facilities that are implementing infection control measures in line with it. Is issued, and it is clearly stated that people who are uncertain about receiving a medical examination can receive a medical examination with peace of mind.

The Cancer Society has created a leaflet saying "'Cancer screening' is necessary even under the corona !!", telling the necessity of cancer screening and the sufficient infection control measures taken by the screening facility, and recommending the consultation. There is. In order to avoid the Three Cs, more and more facilities are offering holiday examinations, early morning examinations, and appointments.

Since screening is effective for prevention, early detection, and treatment of various diseases, steady efforts are required to carry out safe and secure medical examinations while continuing thorough infection control measures.