Effectiveness of ultrasonographic screening for thyroid cancer: round-table conference in the National Evidence- based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA) in conjunction with the Korean Thyroid Association.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence rate of thyroid cancer has been increasing worldwide in

recent years, and it is also the most prevalent cancer when it comes to the

number of patients among Korean women. With it, ultrasonographic screening test

has also become very common. However, there is still controversy over the

performance of this screening test. Therefore, the National Evidence-based

Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA) organized a Round-table Conference on the

issues regarding ultrasonographic screening for thyroid cancer in Korea. The

objective of the conference was mainly about delivering worthwhile information

reflecting social value for the current situation, which was based on evidence

surrounding thyroid cancer screening that relevant experts investigated and

agreed on. The significance of this Round-table Conference lies in the fact that

we reviewed the current evidence, and we were able to discuss the social value

and future direction for ultrasonographic screening in Korea.