"With Proper Management, Cancer Patients Can Live Long... 8.5 Out of 10 Survive Over 5 Years"

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Health DB Analysis
Sharp Increase in Prostate Cancer Among Men
"Early Detection and Management Are Crucial"

It has been found that nine out of ten patients diagnosed with cancer survived for more than five years. This indicates that with ongoing health management and high-quality services, it is possible to live a long and healthy life even after a cancer diagnosis.

Scene of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer. Dongnam Regional Radiation Oncology Hospital.

On March 19, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance announced the results of its cancer-related analysis using its integrated health information platform (Health DB) in observance of Cancer Prevention Day, which falls on March 21.

According to the 2023 National Cancer Registration Statistics released in January, the number of cancer patients per 100,000 people increased from 489.5 in 2020 to 564.3 in 2023. Due to population aging, 50.4% of new cancer patients in 2023 were aged 65 or older. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance's Health DB analysis also confirmed a similar trend. The number of cancer cases per 100,000 people increased from 424.5 in 2020 to 576.7 in 2025. Last year, the proportion of new cancer patients aged 65 or older was 29.7%.

The cancer survival rate has been steadily improving. According to the National Cancer Registration Statistics, the 5-year relative survival rate for cancer patients rose from 54.2% in 2001–2005 to 73.7% in 2019–2023. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance's Health DB analysis also showed a slight increase in the proportion of customers who survived more than five years after a cancer diagnosis, from 84.8% in 2015 to 85.4% in 2021.

This demonstrates the growing importance of health management and cancer survivor support services after a cancer diagnosis. According to the National Cancer Registration Statistics, the number of colorectal cancer patients increased by an annual average of 2.2% from 2015 to 2023. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's '5th Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan,' announced last month, includes introducing colonoscopy as a basic test in the national cancer screening program starting in 2028. This reflects the government's judgment that colorectal cancer management is crucial, leading to measures to improve early detection rates. The National Cancer Information Center also advises that although most colorectal polyps are benign, some adenomatous polyps can progress to cancer, making colonoscopy the most effective diagnostic method.

According to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance's Health DB analysis, customers who underwent treatment for colorectal polyps prior to a colorectal cancer diagnosis experienced a reduced burden in cancer treatment. The average medical expense for customers with a history of polyp removal via colonoscopy was 5.93 million won, which was about 3.28 million won lower than customers without such a history (9.21 million won). The average number of hospital visits was also 26 days, about half that of customers without prior treatment (52 days). This means that regular colonoscopy screenings and early treatment of colorectal polyps significantly increase the likelihood of detecting colorectal cancer at a relatively early stage.

However, particular attention is needed as prostate cancer cases among men are rapidly increasing. For the first time since statistics began in 1999, prostate cancer ranked first in male cancer incidence according to the National Cancer Registration Statistics. From 2015 to 2023, the number of prostate cancer patients increased by an average of 10.2% per year due to the aging population, showing a rapid upward trend.

A similar trend was confirmed in Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance's Health DB analysis. Prostate cancer moved up in the ranking of male cancer incidence from 6th in 2019, to 5th in 2021, and to 3rd in 2023. According to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance's own analysis, prostate cancer ranked first among male cancers last year.

A representative from the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Long-Term Future Value Research Institute stated, "The Health DB analysis shows that, although cancer incidence is rising due to aging, early detection through regular screenings can reduce not only the burden of medical expenses but also improve quality of life," and added, "We will continue to stay true to our mission of contributing to the public’s healthy lives through customer-centered research."

Meanwhile, in 2024, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance jointly established the 'Cancer Patient Quality of Life Research Institute' with Samsung Medical Center, conducting research on cancer prevention, early treatment, and improving quality of life after treatment. The company plans to expand various research and support activities to highlight the importance of proactive health management and to reduce the burden of cancer treatment.

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