[The Health and Medical Services Law for the elderly and early cancer detection].

Anti-cancer measures in Japan were started in the 1950s, and programs for the early detection of stomach and cervical cancer supported by the National Government were begun in 1966 and 1967, respectively. In 1983 the Health and Medical Services Law for the Elderly was enacted, and under this law nationwide early detection programs for stomach and cervical cancer have been under taken and the number of people screened has been steadily increasing. Accuracy control programs for these cancer detection systems are now being established by prefectural governments. The examination of programs for the early detection of lung cancer and breast cancer will be necessary when suitable methods have been established.