The relationships between interest for and participation in health screening and risk of mortality: The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study

Background. This study examined whether the interest in participation in health screening is associated with reduced mortality in Japan. Methods. A total of 68,825 subjects, 40–79 years old, in 29 Japanese communities responded to a questionnaire including interest level and participation status in health screening during 1988–1990. Systematic surveillance was completed until the end of 1999, with 660,682 person–years of follow-up, and the causes of death were determined. Results. Men and women with low/no interest in health screening had 24–94% higher mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all causes. Women, but not men, with non-participation in health screening had 18–24% excess risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes. Men and women with low/no interest and non-participation in health screening had 23–47% excess risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease and all causes. A similar excess risk of mortality was found among men with low/no interest and participation in health screening, but such a trend was less evident among women. Conclusion. Men and women with lower interest and women with no participation in health screening were at high risk for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Additionally, men who participated but had lower interest in health screening are also considered as high risk for cardiovascular disease.