Background
: Stomach cancer is the most common cancer in Korea. Stomach cancer has been the focus of screening for early detection. Few data are available regarding factors associated with participation in cancer screening examinations in general population. This study investigated associations of age, sex, residence, economic state, occupation, education years, marital status, health state, faith for stomach cancer screening with participation in screening tests for stomach cancer.

Methods : To identify the factors associated with participation in the stomach cancer screening examinations, 2133 persons above 40 years old were surveyed in 1998.

Results : Statistically significant (P<0.05) strong predictors of regular stomach cancer screening were as follows: (1) unban residence, (2) high economic state, (3) possession on faith for regular screening of stomach cancer.

Conclusion : Especially, rural residents should be educated about importance of stomach cancer screening.