Breast Cancer Screening: Japan ✖ Other Countries – A Guide for Foreign Residents in Kansai
Keywords: breast cancer screening Japan, mammogram Kobe, mammogram Osaka, Japan vs overseas medical system, foreign-friendly clinic Kansai
Introduction: Growing Interest from Overseas Residents and Foreign Nationals
Every summer—especially in July and August—our clinic in the Kobe–Osaka area welcomes many Japanese women living overseas who choose to have their breast cancer screening while visiting family in Japan. We are also seeing a steady increase in foreign residents coming for checkups each year, thanks to our convenient location near major cities and our English-speaking medical services.
Patients often share their experiences with healthcare systems abroad:
- From the U.S.: “Healthcare is so expensive that I feel safer getting my screening in Japan.”
- From the U.K.: “It’s free, but appointments are hard to get, and access to specialists is limited.”
Hearing these stories not only broadens our understanding of global healthcare systems but also helps us appreciate—and critically assess—Japan’s own medical system.
In this article, we compare breast cancer screening in six major countries—the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, South Korea, and Japan—focusing on starting age, frequency, test type, and costs.
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines by Country
| Country / Region | Recommended Starting Age | Frequency | Main Test | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA (USPSTF) | 40+ | Every 2 years | Mammography | Some groups recommend annual screening. Start age recently lowered from 50 to 40. |
| 🇬🇧 UK (NHS) | 50–71 | Every 3 years | Mammography | Under 50 excluded except high-risk cases. |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 50+ (some provinces 40+) | Every 2–3 years | Mammography | Varies by province. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 50–74 | Every 2 years | Mammography | Possible from 40–49 and 75+ with doctor’s advice. |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | 40+ | Every 2 years | Mammography | Similar to Japan. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 40+ | Every 2 years | Mammography | Cost and notification vary by municipality. |
Cost Comparison
| Country / Region | Public Subsidy | Approx. Self-Pay Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Insurance coverage | $100–250 | Varies by insurance and facility |
| UK | Fully covered by NHS | Free | Tax-funded |
| Canada | Free in most provinces | Free–partial cost | Provincial differences |
| Australia | Free (50–74 yrs) | Free | National program |
| South Korea | Government subsidy | ¥1,000–2,000 | Affordable via cancer screening program |
| Japan | Municipal subsidy | Several hundred–thousand yen | Varies by city |
International Differences in Breast Cancer Treatment Costs
While early detection is crucial, treatment costs also vary greatly by country.
| Country / Region | Typical Cost Burden | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Very high | Without insurance, can reach tens of thousands of USD |
| UK | Free | NHS covers most treatments |
| Canada | Free | Some drugs or advanced treatments may cost extra |
| Australia | Mostly covered | Partial cost for private services |
| South Korea | Low | 5–10% co-pay with national insurance |
| Japan | 10–30% co-pay | “High-Cost Medical Expense” system caps out-of-pocket cost |
Spotlight: UK and USA
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (NHS)
- Age: 50–71 (every 3 years)
- Cost: Free
- Access: NHS centers and mobile units; self-apply if 70+
⚠️ Waiting times can be weeks or months.
🇺🇸 United States
- No universal public insurance; private insurance is standard.
- With insurance: Screenings often free as preventive care.
- Without insurance: $100–$300 for a mammogram; treatment costs can be extremely high.
- Example: Breast cancer surgery can exceed $30,000.
Why Many Choose to Get Screened in Japan
Given the high costs or long waits abroad, it’s no surprise that many foreign residents in Kansai and Japanese women living overseas prefer to have screenings in Japan—especially during visits home.
Key Takeaways
- Many countries now recommend starting mammograms at age 40.
- Japan’s public insurance and high-cost medical expense cap help keep treatment affordable.
- For foreign residents, language support and flexibility are key.
Breast Cancer Screening at Our Clinic in Ashiya (Near Kobe and Osaka)
We welcome:
- Foreign residents and overseas visitors
- English-language consultations and reports
- Walk-ins during short visits to Japan
- Self-pay options for those without Japanese insurance
- Image data (CD-R) and English medical reports available upon request (extra fee)
📍 Location: 3 min walk from Hanshin Ashiya Station. Parking available.
📞 Phone: 0797-38-7171
📧 Email: aikabreast@gmail.com
Step-by-step guide
What to expect for your first breast checkups ? > Step-by-Step Guide
Access and Parking
3 min walk from Hanshin-Ashiya station. Parking space is available. > Working hours/ Access/ Parking