Getting cancer screening
Cancer found early is far easier to treat. Health insurance subscribers can receive national cancer screening.
What is screened
- Stomach cancer — endoscopy or contrast study
- Colorectal cancer — stool test, colonoscopy if needed
- Liver cancer — ultrasound and blood tests (high-risk groups)
- Breast cancer — mammography
- Cervical cancer
- Lung cancer — for heavy smoking histories
The eligible ages and intervals differ by cancer and change over time. Check your own eligibility with 1577-1000.
Steps
- Check eligibility — 1577-1000 or www.nhis.or.kr. A notice may also arrive.
- Find a screening centre on the NHIS website.
- Book an appointment. Stomach and colon endoscopies need preparation.
- Follow the preparation — fasting, bowel preparation solution.
- Attend the screening. ID required.
- Check the result. If anything is abnormal, go to a hospital without fail.
What you need
- Alien Registration Card
- The screening notice (you can be looked up without it)
- Fasting and other preparation
Where to go
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service · www.nhis.or.kr
- A designated screening centre
- Your nearest public health centre
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
Does it cost anything? National cancer screening is free or very low cost. It can vary by income — check with 1577-1000.
Endoscopy scares me. You can choose sedated endoscopy (there may be an extra charge). Ask the centre.
My result says "re-examination". Do not panic, but do go back for the follow-up. Most turn out fine, but it must be checked.
Can I be screened without Korean? Yes. Say you need interpretation when booking, or get help from 1577-1366.
Take care
Not receiving the notice does not mean you are not eligible. Notices often fail to arrive because of an old address. Call 1577-1000 and check your eligibility directly.
Related
health-checkup · nhis-foreigners-overview · women-health · hospital-system-overview
Source
National Health Insurance Service www.nhis.or.kr / As of 2026-08