The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones and cannot distinguish between radioactive and stable (non-radioactive) iodine. If a large amount of radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland, the probability of thyroid cancer increases due to radiation exposure from inside the gland.

After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the amount of radioactive iodine released was only about one-fifteenth (1/15)^* that of the Chornobyl accident. Also in contrast to Chornobyl, prompt evacuation, immediate management of the food supply distribution, consumption restrictions, and other countermeasures after the Fukushima accident minimized the amount of radioactivity to which people were exposed, thereby making radiation-related health effects unlikely.

*Calculated based on the data from UNSCEAR 2020/2021 Report

Effects of radiation exposure can have a latency period of several years or more. Moreover, compared to exposures of 100 mSv or less, the effects on health are greater from lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, poor dietary habits, stress, or lack of exercise. This is why we have chosen examination items for the early detection and prompt treatment of various diseases, including preventable lifestyle-related diseases, for all those who needed to evacuate due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident, whose lifestyles have changed drastically.

Although the incidence of certain diseases in a population can be affected by radiation exposure, individual cases cannot be attributed specifically to radiation. So, rather than trying to identify radiation effects, examination items are mainly intended for early detection and prompt treatment of various diseases, including lifestyle-related diseases.

The schedule depends on an individual's eligibility for the different kinds of methods, so please refer to the Fukushima Health Management Survey "MIMAMORI" website for details.

In addition to utilizing health check systems provided by municipalities, the Comprehensive Health Check has been conducted in several ways to allow residents in or from the covered area^* to receive a Comprehensive Health Check in the context of their actual living circumstances, considering the situation of residents who have evacuated in and out of the prefecture.

*Municipalities designated as evacuation zones in 2011:
Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Tomioka Town, Kawauchi Village, Okuma Town, Futaba Town, Namie Town, Katsurao Village, Iitate Village, Minamisoma City, Tamura City, Kawamata Town, and a part of Date City (areas designated as Specific Spots Recommended for Evacuation)

The consent form for data use asks for your consent for Fukushima Prefecture and Fukushima Medical University to obtain data on the results of the Comprehensive Health Check and responses to questionnaires and to provide such data to the municipality where you resided at the time of the earthquake. Health data from consent participants are analyzed statistically in a way that does not identify individual participants. Statistical findings are intended to guide healthcare decision-making in ways that promote and maintain everyone’s health.
Please note that you can take the Comprehensive Health Check without submitting the consent form.

For those who receive specific and general health checks conducted by the municipalities (Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Tomioka Town, Kawauchi Village, Okuma Town, Futaba Town, Namie Town, Katsurao Village, Iitate Village, Minamisoma City, Tamura City, and Kawamata Town), additional items for the Fukushima Health Management Survey Comprehensive Health Check are included, so separate participation in our Comprehensive Health Check is not necessary. Others are recommended to participate in specific Comprehensive Health Check opportunities besides being organized at places of business or public venues, according to information sent to eligible participants.

This survey is conducted to accurately assess the mental and physical health conditions and lifestyles of prefectural residents, in order to provide appropriate health, medical, and social welfare care for individuals who may be anxious or distressed from the Great East Japan Earthquake, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, and/or life as an evacuee.

1. All persons who were registered residents of the respective municipalities^* anytime from March 11, 2011, to April 1, 2012.
2. Residents who are registered in the respective municipalities^* as of April 1 of the survey year.

Those who fall into category 1 will remain eligible even if they change their registered residence.

*Municipalities designated as evacuation zones in 2011:
Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Tomioka Town, Kawauchi Village, Okuma Town, Futaba Town, Namie Town, Katsurao Village, Iitate Village, Minamisoma City, Tamura City, Kawamata Town, and part of Date City (areas designated as Specific Spots Recommended for Evacuation)

A questionnaire by itself will not find all of the respondents' problems, but it can suggest the presence of depression or other mood disorders. Information to guide further support can be found in responses to the questionnaire.

For those who are in need of consultation and support in terms of mental health and lifestyle, the "KOKOKARA Health Support Team," consisting of certified psychologists, public health nurses, and other nurses provides telephone support. For those who are considered to be in need of continuous support, the team provides assistance in cooperation with registered doctors^* and municipalities in which they are currently living.

*Doctors who have attended specialized training sessions on disaster mental health and radiation medicine (i.e., sessions organized or accredited by Fukushima Medical University).

Survey results are intended to help respondents understand mental health and lifestyle factors that can be addressed or managed for better health.

The Pregnancy and Birth Survey was conducted annually from FY2011 to FY2020 (Main Survey) to know the mental and physical health status, opinions, and requests of expectant and nursing mothers who intend to give birth and raise children in Fukushima Prefecture, to alleviate their anxiety and provide necessary care, and to improve obstetric and perinatal care in Fukushima Prefecture in the future.

Results of the Pregnant and Birth Survey's Main Survey showed a particularly high percentage of respondents with depressive tendencies after the 3.11 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The first Follow-up Survey was conducted from FY2015 to FY2018 among those who responded the Main Survey from FY2011 to FY2014.

The first Follow-up Survey showed that respondents of the main survey in FY2011 and FY2012 had strong anxiety about the effects of radiation and a high percentage of depression; since there were still a certain number of respondents with poor subjective health, depression, and anxiety about the effects of radiation in the 2013 and 2014 surveys, a second Follow-up Survey was conducted from FY2019 to FY2022.

The Main Survey showed that rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies in Fukushima differed little from national data or commonly reported estimates for any year. Similarly, there were virtually no differences in the incidences of congenital anomalies among different regions within the prefecture.

Pertaining to maternal mental health, a tendency toward depression was elevated at the beginning of the survey but subsequently showed a decreasing trend.

Regarding maternal mental health, in particular the percentage of mothers with depressive tendencies, the percentage was higher in the second follow-up survey than in the first follow-up survey of FY2012 to FY2014. This may be due to the COVID-19 epidemic, since the second follow-up survey was conducted from FY2020 to FY2022.

The percentage of respondents who checked at least one item of concern about radiation effects showed a decreasing trend over time. The percentage of respondents who were concerned about "children's health" has also decreased over the years.

We will share results and findings of the survey in an easy-to-understand manner, posting them on our website and distributing flyers to those eligible for maternal and child health handbooks. Also, we will share survey results, and guidance on how to support municipalities, at workshops hosted by Fukushima Prefecture for maternal and child health leaders in municipalities.

These sessions are intended to share the latest results and findings of the Fukushima Health Management Survey with public health nurses and public health and welfare officials of the 13 municipalities in restricted areas and areas under evacuation orders (Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Tomioka Town, Kawauchi Village, Okuma Town, Futaba Town, Namie Town, Katsurao Village, Iitate Village, Minamisoma City, Tamura City, Kawamata Town, Date City), to promote a better understanding of residents' health status and encourage better health habits.

The sessions include time to gather questions and opinions about the Fukushima Health Management Survey, along with various requests regarding health issues of the residents and responses from municipalities. We respond to these requests and/or expectations to the best of our ability, and this has led us to the implementation of health seminars or other health-related events in each municipality.

Guided by Fukushima Health Management Survey findings, the Center provides advice, recommendations, and human resource development to 13 municipalities in restricted areas or former evacuation zones as needed to ensure that the findings benefit society at large. The Center also strives to maintain and promote the health of individual residents by explaining the results of each survey at periodic meetings in the 13 municipalities and by holding health seminars hosted by the Center.

This symposium has been held to disseminate the latest Fukushima Health Management Survey results, and to share those results, and insights gained, with a global audience through discussions among domestic and foreign experts and other participants. This should contribute to our ongoing efforts to maintain and promote the health of Fukushima residents. We also aim to develop new scientific findings from the surveys.