Breast Cancer Screening in Korea

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women in Korea. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has prioritised breast cancer early detection as a key public health objective through the National Cancer Screening Programme.

Early detection through screening dramatically improves outcomes. When diagnosed at the localised (early) stage, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 99%. When diagnosed after it has spread to distant organs, survival drops significantly. Mammography is the gold standard screening tool and has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality by 20–40%.

Korea's breast cancer screening programme: NHIS's National Cancer Screening Programme offers biennial (every 2 years) mammography for women aged 40 and above, at designated screening centres and hospitals nationwide. Major hospitals such as Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center provide comprehensive breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Who should be screened and when: Women at average risk should begin mammography at 40, following Korea's NHIS-recommended biennial schedule. Women at higher risk (BRCA gene mutation, family history of breast cancer before age 50, previous breast biopsy showing abnormal cells) should discuss earlier and more frequent screening with their doctor.

Awareness and self-examination: while routine breast self-examination is no longer formally recommended as a screening strategy, women should be aware of normal breast changes and promptly report any of the following to a doctor: a new lump, dimpling or puckering of the skin, nipple changes or discharge, or breast pain not linked to the menstrual cycle.