What is the No.1 Cancer Incidence in Korea?…Liver Cancer Decreases, Lung and Breast Cancer Increase

Increase in 'Western-type Cancers' such as Lung and Breast Cancer
Rise in Lung Cancer Attributed to Aging Population

Over the past decade, the types of cancer occurring among Koreans have been shifting toward Western patterns. While the incidence rates of stomach and liver cancers have decreased, those of lung, breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers have been rising.

According to the national cancer registry statistics released on the 20th, excluding thyroid cancer which ranks first, stomach cancer, which was second in 2010, dropped to fourth place in 2020, and liver cancer fell from fifth to seventh. Lung cancer rose from fourth to second place, while breast and prostate cancers each moved up one rank to fifth and sixth, respectively. Notably, over the past ten years, prostate cancer increased by 109%, breast cancer by 112%, and endometrial cancer by 85%, nearly doubling their incidence rates.

Regarding the decline in stomach cancer incidence, Min Jae-seok, head of the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department at the Southeast Regional Radiation Oncology Center (Radiation Oncology Center), explained, "The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori, one of the causes of stomach cancer, is decreasing in Korea," adding, "The Westernization of Korean dietary habits may also have an impact."

Min further stated, "The effect of early detection and treatment through national screening endoscopy for stomach cancer at its precancerous stages likely contributed as well," and explained, "More cases of stomach cancer are being detected at an early stage."

However, the sharp increase in so-called 'Western-type cancers' such as lung, prostate, and breast cancers, which are common in OECD countries, calls for caution.

One of the reasons for the continuous rise in lung cancer is population aging. Lung and colorectal cancers are representative cancers that increase with age. The incidence rate of lung cancer among those aged 65 and older is 1,480 per 100,000, ranking first among all cancers. In this age group, lung cancer is more prevalent than stomach or colorectal cancer.

Kim Jae-hyun, head of the Lung and Esophageal Cancer Center at the Radiation Oncology Center, emphasized, "In men, the incidence of lung cancer is high among the elderly with a history of smoking. Smokers have a 15 to 80 times higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers, and exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk by 1.2 to 2 times."

Prostate cancer increased by 109.2% compared to 2010, ranking third among major male cancers after lung and stomach cancers. Breast cancer has held the top spot for female cancer incidence since 2016 and continued to rank first through 2020, increasing by 112.1% compared to 2010. Additionally, endometrial cancer (mainly endometrial carcinoma) was outside the top 10 in incidence rates until 2015 but rose to eighth place among female cancers after an 85.7% increase over ten years.

Park Sang-il, head of the Gynecologic Cancer Center at the Radiation Oncology Center, stated, "The increase in endometrial cancer is attributed to factors such as overweight due to high-calorie intake, the growing postmenopausal population, and increased use of hormone replacement therapy," adding, "Especially for endometrial cancer, obesity raises the risk by 2 to 11 times. If you experience sudden heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular cycles, or vaginal bleeding after menopause, you should definitely consult a gynecologist and undergo a uterine ultrasound."

Specialists explain that the increasing cancers share common factors including ▲high-fat diets ▲obesity due to lack of exercise ▲and population aging.

The significant decrease in incidence rates of liver and cervical cancers is largely attributed to the impact of vaccinations. The roles of hepatitis B vaccines and cervical cancer vaccines were significant, along with changes in lifestyle such as practicing safe sex and serving food individually.

Experts advise that to prevent 'Western-type cancers,' it is beneficial to ▲maintain a balanced diet ▲consume fresh vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber and vitamins ▲walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes five times a week to maintain a healthy weight suitable for one’s body type ▲quit smoking and drinking ▲and undergo regular screenings according to cancer early detection guidelines.

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