Evaluation of Mass Screening for Thyroid Cancer

ABSTRACT

Mass screening for detecting both thyroid and breast cancer in adult women was carried out in Samsung Cheil Hospital between March 31, 1996, and March 31, 1997. The total number of subjects during those 13 months was 3869. At first, the screening was by inspection and palpation using experienced surgeons. Thyroid abnormalities were found in 183 subjects through physical examination but thyroid nodules were identified by thyroid sonography in only 170 patients who were required to undergo a cytologic examination (FNAB). The total number of thyroid cancer cases detected was 23. The detection rate was 0.59%. In contrast, 8 cases of breast cancer were discovered during the same screening, with a detection rate of 0.21%. The size of the thyroid tumor was 2 cm or less in 20 patients (87%). The thyroid cancers detected by mass screening were discovered at an earlier stage and will show a better survival rate. As thyroid cancer can be found at an earlier stage by mass screening, the program is useful for the early detection and early treatment of thyroid cancer.