With regard to cancer countermeasures, which are said to affect one in two Japan people, the government has promoted cooperation between local governments and companies, and the Cabinet has approved a new national basic plan that includes raising the target of the cancer screening rate from 2% to 1%.
The Basic Plan for Cancer Control sets out specific national policies for the next six years and was approved at a Cabinet meeting on the 6th.
The plan maintains the three pillars of "cancer prevention," "cancer care," and "coexistence with cancer" that have been included in the basic plan so far, and defines issues and measures to be addressed.
Specific measures include promoting cancer screening, such as collaboration between local governments and companies, and raising the target of the screening rate from 50% to 60%.
In addition, since the number of therapeutic drugs that have been approved in foreign countries but not in Japan is increasing, the company will promote the implementation of clinical trials, such as encouraging early development in Japan, and will consider countermeasures, including reviewing the existing system.
In addition, in order to make it easier for patients and their families to use medical care and other services, the company will promote digitalization, such as the provision of online medical care and online clinical trial and consultation support.
Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Kato told reporters after the Cabinet meeting, "In the new Basic Plan for Promoting Cancer Control, we will further promote measures with the goal of promoting cancer countermeasures that leave no one behind, and aiming to overcome cancer with all citizens."