Medical Checkup

Cancer screening

About Cancer Screening

One in two people in Japan will develop cancer, and one in three will die from it. Early detection through cancer screening is the first step to early treatment. Japan has an exceptionally high cancer death rate relative to its population, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is the world's number one cancer country.

Cancer is the number one cause of death among Japanese people, affecting one in two people

Cancer is the number one cause of death among Japanese people. Currently, about 1 people die from cancer each year. The total number of cancer patients is about 37 million (as of 97), including about 81 men and 178 women.

Low cancer screening attendance rate

In addition, Japan's cancer screening attendance rate is the lowest among the 30 member countries of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development).While the attendance rate in Europe and the United States is around 80%, in Japan it is only 20-30%, indicating that interest is still low.

Early detection through cancer screening

However, advances in diagnosis and treatment have made it possible to detect and treat some cancers early. This is due to the improvement of medical examinations such as health checkups and their accuracy.
By the time symptoms appear, cancer has progressed to a certain extent, so the key is to find it before symptoms appear.
Tokyo Midtown Clinic's health checkups aim to detect cancer early, and are characterized by their comprehensive range of tests.

  • For details on courses and fees that include each test, please seeHealth ScreeningPlease see the page.

Cancer screening test contents

At Tokyo Midtown Clinic, we conduct cancer screenings for various items in order to detect cancer early. We will introduce the test items and what is examined for each cancer screening.

Stomach cancer screening

Upper gastrointestinal X-ray: You will be asked to drink barium (contrast agent) to examine the condition of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
If you would like to have a barium test,Click here for the guidelines.Please be sure to check.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: An examination in which an endoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose to directly observe the mucous membrane. For those who have had a painful experience with oral endoscopy without the use of sedatives, the examination can be performed with less pain by using sedatives.
*If you would like to undergo endoscopic examination using sedation,Notes on this pagePlease be sure to check.

Stool Helicobacter pylori antigen: This is a test to check for Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Blood Helicobacter pylori antibody test: This is a test to check for the presence of "Helicobacter pylori antibodies" in the blood. It is recommended for those who have not had a Helicobacter pylori test before.

Lung cancer screening

Direct chest x-ray: An x-ray is taken of the chest to check for and detect disease.
Chest CT: 80-row multislice CT scan examines the lungs and mediastinum. Useful for screening for lung cancer.

Colon cancer screening

Fecal occult blood (2-day method): This is a screening test for colon cancer, colon polyps, etc.

Tumor marker, blood test

This is a test that collects blood or urine and measures substances produced by cancer cells. Some tumor markers react to specific cancers, while others react to multiple cancers. Therefore, multiple tumor markers are combined, and a comprehensive judgment is made in conjunction with the results of imaging tests, etc.

Marker NameDescription
CEAIt is a tumor marker for gastrointestinal cancer (colon, rectum, stomach), lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.
CA19-9This is a tumor marker for gastrointestinal cancer (pancreas, gallbladder, and bile duct).
PSA (male)It is a tumor marker for prostate cancer.
CA125 (female)It is a tumor marker for ovarian cancer.
AFP, PIVKA-2This is a tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Pro-GRPThis is a tumor marker for lung cancer (small cell carcinoma).

Women's Cancer Screening

We also offer comprehensive screening for cancers specific to women. You can rest assured that the screenings and examinations are performed by female doctors and female staff. We also have a ladies' hour exclusively for female customers.are also available, making your appointment even more relaxing.
For further information, please read Women's Specialized Health Check Menu.

  • All internal medicine examinations, breast and gynecological examinations are performed by female doctors and technicians. Please note that some endoscopies (gastroscopy) and stomach X-rays (barium) may be performed by male doctors or staff.
  • At the doctor's discretion, male patients may be admitted. (When admitting patients, we will give maximum consideration to traffic flow and timing.)
  • The Dog Center's Ladies Hour is every Wednesday morning (8:00-12:00).
    However, after 12:30, you may be sharing the waiting area with male customers arriving from 13:00.
  • The Health Check Center's ladies' hour is held on the second and fourth Monday of every month (2:4pm - 13:30pm).

Cervical cancer screening

Inspection nameDescription
Transvaginal ultrasoundUltrasound is used to examine the uterus and ovaries.
Cervical cytologyA sample taken from the cervical mucosa is examined for the presence of cancer cells.
Uterine cytologyA sampling needle is inserted deep into the uterus and a sample of cells and tissue is taken to check for the presence of cancer cells.
Human papillomavirusWe check for human papillomavirus, a high-risk cause of cervical cancer.
Pelvic MRIMRI is used to examine the uterus and ovaries in more detail.

Breast cancer screening

Inspection nameDescription
Breast X-ray (Mammography)It is effective in observing breast enlargement, lumps and calcification.
Breast ultrasoundIt is effective for observing the condition of the mammary glands and the detailed characteristics of lumps.