{"id":1524,"date":"2026-10-15T11:33:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T02:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iwaw.kr\/en\/2026\/10\/15\/national-cancer-screening-stomach-colorectal-cancer-d0bc392e08\/"},"modified":"2026-10-15T11:33:32","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T02:33:32","slug":"national-cancer-screening-stomach-colorectal-cancer-d0bc392e08","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iwaw.kr\/en\/2026\/10\/15\/national-cancer-screening-stomach-colorectal-cancer-d0bc392e08\/","title":{"rendered":"National Cancer Screening Target Audience Checking Free Screening Cycles for Stomach and Colorectal Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Introduction: Why Must National Cancer Screenings Be Taken at the Specified Time?<\/h2>\n

Undisputedly, the number one cause of death among South Koreans is ‘cancer’. Although everyone vaguely fears it, when people are actually healthy, they easily postpone or neglect screenings, thinking, “Surely something like that won’t happen to me.” However, cancer rarely shows any special symptoms in its early stages, so by the time symptoms are felt and a hospital is visited, the disease has often progressed quite a bit.
\nConversely, if cancer is detected early and appropriate treatment is received, the cure rate jumps significantly to over 90%. In other words, the most powerful weapon to win the fight against cancer is ‘early detection’ rather than the latest treatment methods.
\nThe government and the National Health Insurance Service are actively implementing the national cancer screening program so that citizens can detect and treat cancer early without financial burden. Anyone who is a citizen of South Korea can receive major cancer screenings for stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer free of charge or at a very low cost, depending on age and conditions.
\nThen, what are the free cancer screening targets corresponding to my age this year, and at what intervals should we take tests for stomach and colorectal cancer, which have high incidence rates particularly among Koreans? In this post, we will look into detail from the selection criteria for national cancer screening targets to the accurate screening intervals and test methods for stomach and colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n

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How to Check Free National Cancer Screening Eligibility Based on 2026<\/h2>\n

National cancer screening is a wonderful system that supports any South Korean citizen in checking their health status, but many people wonder, “Am I really eligible for free screening?” We will explore the selection criteria for free national cancer screening applied as of 2026 and how to check them in just 1 minute using your smartphone.<\/p>\n

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  1. 2026 Selection Criteria for Free National Cancer Screening Targets<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The cost of national cancer screenings is structured so that the government and the National Health Insurance Service fully cover it or bear a portion of it.
    \nMedical Aid Beneficiaries and Bottom 50% of Health Insurance Subscribers: Screening costs for the 5 major cancers, including stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer, are supported entirely free of charge (0 KRW out-of-pocket).
    \nTop 50% of Health Insurance Subscribers:
    \nThe government covers 90% of screening costs for stomach cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer (fecal occult blood test), etc., and examinees can take tests very affordably by bearing only a 10% out-of-pocket cost (around 10,000 KRW, varying by cancer type). (\u203b For colorectal cancer, the initial test, the fecal occult blood test, is completely free of charge.)
    \nExpansion of Cervical Cancer Targets for the Bottom 50% of National Health Insurance: For women aged 20 and over, cervical cancer screenings are supported free of charge for all citizens regardless of income level.<\/p>\n

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    1. Easily Checking Free Target Eligibility Using the Smartphone App (‘The\uac74\uac15\ubcf4\ud5d8’)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Without having to wait for the notification letter sent by mail, you can immediately check your eligibility right now using your smartphone.<\/p>\n

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      1. Running the ‘The\uac74\uac15\ubcf4\ud5d8’ App: Install the official National Health Insurance Service app ‘The\uac74\uac15\ubcf4\ud5d8’ on your smartphone and complete login via simple authentication such as Naver or Kakao.<\/li>\n
      2. Selecting the Health Screening Menu: Enter the ‘Health Screening’ or ‘My Health Screening Information’ section on the main screen.<\/li>\n
      3. Checking 2026 Target Cancer Types: You can see at a glance whether you are eligible for cancer screenings like stomach cancer or colorectal cancer this year, whether you are a free support recipient, and what the out-of-pocket burden ratio is.<\/li>\n
      4. Linked Designated Hospital Search: You can immediately search for designated national cancer screening hospitals near your home or workplace directly from the search screen, allowing you to proceed with reservations all in one stop.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        In the next section, we will take a detailed look at the precise screening cycles and specific test methods (core content) for stomach and colorectal cancer, which have the highest incidence rates among Koreans.<\/p>\n

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        Free Screening Cycles and Test Methods for Stomach and Colorectal Cancer (Core)<\/h2>\n

        Among national cancer screening items, representative diseases counted as having the highest incidence rates among Koreans are precisely stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Because both cancers have very high cure rates as long as they are detected early, not missing the established screening intervals is more important than anything else.
        \nWe highlight the core details of the free screening intervals and specific test methods for stomach and colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n

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        1. Stomach Cancer Screening: Age 40 and Older, Biennial Gastric Endoscopy<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Even if there are usually no special digestive symptoms, regular management is essential once you pass your 40s for stomach cancer.
          \nScreening Target: Men and women aged 40 and older (conducted every 2 years)
          \nBirth Year Basis: Based on 2026, those born in even-numbered years correspond to this year’s targets.
          \nMain Test Methods:
          \nGastric Endoscopy (Recommended Choice): This is the standard test method with the highest accuracy because it directly observes the inside of the stomach and can immediately proceed with a biopsy if there is a suspicious area.
          \nUpper Gastrointestinal Series (Barium Meal X-ray): This is a method of drinking a contrast agent and taking X-rays when endoscopic insertion is extremely reluctant or unavoidable. (However, because you ultimately have to undergo endoscopy again if an abnormal finding is discovered, choosing gastric endoscopy is recommended whenever possible.)
          \nCost Burden: Bottom 50% of health insurance subscribers and Medical Aid beneficiaries are completely free of charge, and top 50% subscribers can receive it without burden by paying only about 10% out-of-pocket costs (around 10,000 KRW).<\/p>\n

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          1. Colorectal Cancer Screening: Age 50 and Older, Annual Fecal Occult Blood Test Followed by Endoscopy Linkage<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Colorectal cancer is called the ‘silent killer’ because it has almost no early symptoms, but when detected early through national cancer screening, survival rates can be dramatically increased.
            \nScreening Target: Men and women aged 50 and older (conducted annually every 1 year)
            \n1st Test (Fecal Occult Blood Test – Stool Test):
            \nIf you are 50 years of age or older, you receive a stool collection test completely free of charge every year regardless of income level.
            \nBy collecting a small amount of stool in a collection container and submitting it to a designated hospital, the presence of internal bleeding in the colon (traces of bloody stools) is screened as a primary step.
            \n2nd Precision Test (Colonoscopy):
            \nIf you receive a ‘positive (suspected bleeding)’ judgment or become a finding-positive person as a result of the 1st fecal occult blood test, you will be supported with a colonoscopy test for confirmation free of charge (or covered by the Corporation).
            \nIf a positive result came out in the initial test, you must not postpone it and must precisely check for the presence of polyps and colorectal cancer through the 2nd free colonoscopy.
            \nIn the next section, we will continue to look into the screening types and cycles of liver cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer included in free national cancer screening benefits besides stomach and colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n

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            Other Types of Free National Cancer Screenings Included Besides Stomach and Colorectal Cancer<\/h2>\n

            In addition to stomach and colorectal cancer, national cancer screenings support free (or 10% out-of-pocket) examinations targeting major cancers that have a high incidence frequency among South Koreans and for which early detection is important. Carefully check the types and cycles of additional cancer screenings corresponding to your gender and age.<\/p>\n

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            1. Liver Cancer Screening: Regular Screenings Twice a Year (First and Second Halves) for High-Risk Groups<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Since liver cancer mainly occurs in high-risk groups such as patients with chronic liver disease, whether you possess risk factors acts more importantly than general age criteria.
              \nScreening Target: Men and women aged 40 and older who are high-risk groups for liver cancer occurrence (cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus surface antigen positive, hepatitis C virus antibody positive, chronic hepatitis B and C patients, etc.)
              \nScreening Cycle: Conducted periodically twice a year (once in the first half, once in the second half)
              \nTest Method: Liver ultrasound examination and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test are performed concurrently to precisely track and observe the liver’s condition.<\/p>\n

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              1. Breast Cancer Screening: Women Aged 40 and Older, Biennial Mammography<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Breast cancer, which ranks high in female cancer incidence rates, increases the probability of preserving the breast when detected early.
                \nScreening Target: Women aged 40 and older (conducted every 2 years, targeting women born in even-numbered years based on 2026)
                \nScreening Cycle: Once every 2 years
                \nTest Method: Mammography (X-ray), which photographs internal breast tissue to detect microcalcifications or masses, is performed as the basic test.<\/p>\n

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                1. Cervical Cancer Screening: Women Aged 20 and Older, Biennial Cervical Cell Test<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Since the incidence rate of cervical cancer is increasing even among younger age groups, it has the lowest target age starting at age 20 and older among national cancer screenings.
                  \nScreening Target: Women aged 20 and older (conducted every 2 years, targeting women born in even-numbered years based on 2026)
                  \nScreening Cycle: Once every 2 years (Supported completely free of charge regardless of income level for both Medical Aid beneficiaries and health insurance subscribers)
                  \nTest Method: A cervical cell test (Pap smear) is conducted to collect cells from the cervix and observe under a microscope whether abnormal transformations are present.
                  \nIn the next section, we will neatly summarize today’s core content and convey words of advice to protect your health through regular national cancer screenings.<\/p>\n

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                  Conclusion: Guarding Your Body’s Health Signals Through Regular National Cancer Screenings<\/h2>\n

                  So far, we have examined in detail everything from the selection criteria for free national cancer screening targets, including stomach and colorectal cancer, to the accurate screening cycles and test methods by age and cancer type.
                  \nCancer is one of the most feared diseases for us, but in modern medicine, it is called a ‘disease that can be sufficiently overcome as long as it is detected early.’ In particular, the national cancer screening program, where the government supports or substantially subsidizes the costs, is the most definite benefit that protects your health and even relieves financial burdens. If you miss this year’s target opportunity due to being busy or with the complacent thought of “because I’m healthy,” it can return as greater regret later.
                  \nCheck This Year’s Eligibility: Check whether you and your family are eligible for free cancer screenings right now through your smartphone via the ‘The\uac74\uac15\ubcf4\ud5d8’ app.
                  \nDon’t Postpone Reservations: Book designated hospitals during the first half of the year or a relaxed period to complete examinations meticulously and comfortably without waiting times.
                  \nWe hope today’s post serves as a precious guide in preparing for your healthy life, and we sincerely cheer for you to have an always energetic and healthy day! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment. Thank you!
                  \nRecommended Posts to Read Together
                  \nTips for Filling Out Your Health Screening Questionnaire Mobile Before Visiting
                  \nHealth Screening Fines for Office Workers Imposed on Companies If Not Taken Within the Period
                  \nSedation Costs for Health Screening Gastric Endoscopy: Checking for Additional Expenses in Advance<\/p>\n

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                  Recommended Posts to Read Together<\/h2>\n