Mass Screening for Neuroblastoma in Japan

Abstract

The present status of NB mass screening in Japan, which is the first national trial in the world, is presented. This program was conducted in cooperation with infants' mothers, local health centers, screening centers and hospitals. Three hundred and thirty-seven cases detected by the program, from the start in Kyoto in 1974 to the end of 1989, are analyzed. As many cases were detected at early stages, 97% of them were expected to be cured. Several clinical, technical and programmatic problems are also discussed.