| [ Summary ] |
In Japan endoscopy has recently been recommended as a mass screening method of gastric cancer, as well as barium radiography. To establish and provide a safe and efficient manner of esophagogastroduodenoscopy for every examinee, the endoscopic facilities should maintain quality control. The quality of endoscopy as a mass screening method should contain both high diagnostic accuracy and minimal invasiveness. First, the achievement of safe technical skills is important. Second, continuous self‒education to ensure up‒to‒date diagnostic skills is required ; this can be achieved through participation in endoscopic society seminars, live demonstrations, or e‒learnings, etc. As an example, endoscopic screening is now developing into a tool of detecting not only gastric cancer, but also Helicobacter pylori gastritis, the principal risk factor for gastric cancer, according to the Kyoto‒classification. Third, skilled endoscopists should play a principal role in managing a unified method of endoscopic maneuvers, and in educating their endoscopic facility by reviewing quality indicators such as the cancer detection rate. The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society should provide appropriate certification for the members of the specialty, including leading endoscopists of mass screening facilities. |