7 out of 10 Colorectal Cancer Patients Are Aged 60 or Older... 1.6% Annual Increase

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] About 70% of colorectal cancer patients are elderly aged 60 and over. Compared to 2017, the number of colorectal cancer patients increased by 6.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%.

The National Health Insurance Service announced on the 20th the status of colorectal cancer health insurance treatment from 2017 to 2021 using health insurance treatment data.

The number of colorectal cancer patients receiving treatment last year was 148,410, an increase of 9,226 from 139,184 in 2017. By gender, male patients last year numbered 87,740, more than female patients at 60,670. The number of colorectal cancer patients per 100,000 population was 289 last year, a 5.9% increase from 273 in 2017.

Looking at the age distribution of colorectal cancer patients last year, those aged 60 and over accounted for more than 70% of the total patients. The 60s group was the largest at 30.6% (45,484 people), followed by the 70s at 26.0% (38,534 people), and the 50s at 18.4% (27,362 people).

Professor Jung Sung-woo, a surgeon at National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital, explained the reason why colorectal cancer patients are most common in their 60s: "It can be explained by the characteristics of colorectal cancer itself and changes in population structure. Colorectal cancer tends to occur more frequently with increasing age, and the fact that colorectal cancer screening through fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopy is conducted from age 50 in the health insurance system is also a factor that increases the diagnosis rate in people in their 60s."

The total medical expenses for colorectal cancer increased by 19.0% from 747.1 billion KRW in 2017 to 888.8 billion KRW. The average annual growth rate was 4.4%. By gender, medical expenses for males were 531.4 billion KRW, higher than females at 357.3 billion KRW, but the average annual growth rate was higher for females at 5.0% compared to 4.0% for males. The per capita colorectal cancer medical expense was 5.99 million KRW, an 11.6% increase during the same period.

Colorectal cancer can be caused by genetic factors such as hereditary diseases, hereditary polyposis, and family history of cancer, as well as environmental factors like high-calorie diets and lack of physical activity. Most colorectal cancers develop from benign tumors called adenomatous polyps over 3 to 10 years into malignant tumors.

Early colorectal cancer is mostly asymptomatic, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, thin stools, bloody stools, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation may occur.

Experts emphasize that the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer is to practice a healthy lifestyle. Professor Jung said, "It is good to consume plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, and to limit intake of red meat, high-calorie, high-fat foods, processed meats, and smoked foods. Regular exercise that causes sweating for 30 minutes at least five times a week, as well as abstaining from alcohol and smoking, are also recommended." He also pointed out that health screenings for early detection are important.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.