Insights Inc. (headquartered in Chuo Ward, Tokyo; CEO: Yusuke Ishikawa; hereinafter 'Insights'), which operates health promotion services for health insurance enrollees, has completed the trial operation of the 'Municipal Cancer Screening Support Program' 2026 pilot project and officially launched full-scale operations on July 14, 2026. This program delivers municipal cancer screening information to enrollees through workplace-based health insurers (such as health insurance societies), supporting outreach and awareness efforts for working-age individuals and their families, who have historically had limited access to municipal notifications. With the official launch, new municipalities are now being invited to join the program.

▼ Program details here

https://insights.jp/jichitai_cancer

Database already covers all of Japan — a system to enhance 'data quality' through pilot validation is now operational

The 'Municipal Cancer Screening Database' already contains reference information for cancer screening programs across all municipalities nationwide (47 prefectures, 1,741 cities/towns/villages, and 175 designated city wards).

The 2026 pilot project aims to establish a system where municipalities themselves register and update their information to improve data quality, with successful trials in 14 municipalities paving the way for nationwide expansion.

Background: Challenges municipalities face in improving cancer screening rates

A survey conducted by Insights among municipalities nationwide revealed that the top challenges in increasing cancer screening rates are 'low awareness and interest in cancer screening' (72%) and 'inadequate reach of public information and notifications' (51%).

Additionally, in open-ended responses on the highest-priority issues to resolve, 'collaboration with workplaces and access to workplace screening data' was cited most frequently.

There is a structural challenge: working-age individuals, especially those covered by employer-based health insurance and their families, often do not receive notifications from their local municipalities.

▲ Challenges in improving cancer screening rates (municipal survey results)

How the program works (from the municipality's perspective)

Municipalities can deliver their cancer screening program information to enrollees through health insurers simply by registering it in the 'Municipal Cancer Screening Database'.

- Enables outreach and screening promotion to the 'workplace' demographic—previously difficult to reach—without financial burden on municipalities

- Expected to increase screening opportunities and participation among working-age individuals through workplace support

- Supports smooth transition for individuals who lose eligibility (e.g., after retirement) into municipal-based screening programs (National Health Insurance)

Results of the 2026 Pilot Project

Fourteen municipalities from across Japan participated in the 2026 pilot project, conducting three operational meetings and trial runs in collaboration with health insurance societies starting January 2026. Key outcomes include:

- Confirmed practicality: Municipal staff successfully registered and updated screening information in the database and verified resident-facing screens, confirming the information delivery system can be sustained without excessive burden

- Standardization of screening information: Developed a standardized 'input format (Version 1.0)', organizing test names and enabling clear distinction between screenings compliant and non-compliant with national guidelines

- User-friendly screening guide: By entering gender and date of birth, only eligible screenings are displayed, with clear indication of group vs. individual screenings

- Addressing operational challenges: System updates were implemented to resolve issues identified during trials, including flexibility in entering target age and cost, and reminders for annual updates

- Full launch and public availability: On July 14, 2026, the system transitioned to full production, and municipal cancer screening information became publicly available to health insurance society members

- Expert collaboration: Dr. Hiroyuki Takahashi (National Cancer Center / Mericue Inc.) participated as an advisor

※ Participating municipalities in the pilot (14 total). The database covers all municipalities nationwide.

Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture Onjuku City, Chiba Prefecture Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo Ota Ward, Tokyo Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture Sukumo City, Kochi Prefecture Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Benefits of collaboration from the municipal perspective (survey results)

When workplace insurers promote local municipal cancer screening programs, municipalities reported benefits such as 'increased screening opportunities for working-age populations' and 'ability to use this as a new public awareness tool'.

▲ Benefits of workplace promotion of municipal cancer screening (municipal responses)

Call for new participating municipalities

Insights is now inviting additional municipalities to join the program. The pilot confirmed that operational burden is manageable, and support such as input guides will help ensure sustainable, low-effort participation.

- Access a new outreach channel through workplaces at no cost to the municipality

- Further leverage municipal cancer screening programs through workplace collaboration

- Reduce registration and update burden with the input format (Ver 1.0) and input guide

▼ Program details here

https://insights.jp/jichitai_cancer

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: キャンペーン