J Korean Med Assoc.  2015 Mar;58(3):183-190. 10.5124/jkma.2015.58.3.183.

Epidemiology and screening of gastric cancer in Korea

• Song M
• Lee HW
• Kang D

• KMID: 2194937
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2015.58.3.183

Abstract

The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer have been decreasing worldwide. However, due to the rapid increase in the aging population, the absolute number of cases is actually increasing, and some countries, including Korea, show a divergent trend in the incidence of gastric cancer in younger generations. Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in Korea. In the present review, several epidemiologic factors associated with the risk of gastric cancer are evaluated, including family history of gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori infection, cigarette smoking, and adverse dietary factors. The practice of and participation in gastric cancer screening are reviewed. Prevention strategies based on evidence from Korean epidemiologic studies and early detection by regular screening are important for the reduction of the burden from gastric cancer.

Keyword

Stomach neoplasms; Epidemiology; Risk factors; Diagnosis

MeSH Terms

Aging
Diagnosis
Epidemiologic Factors
Epidemiologic Studies
Epidemiology*
Family Characteristics
Helicobacter pylori
Humans
Incidence
Korea
Mass Screening*
Mortality
Risk Factors
Smoking
Stomach Neoplasms*

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 International comparison of age-standardized incidence and mortality rate of 20 highest in the world (Data from Ferlay J, et al. GLOBOCAN 2012 v1.0: cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. IARC CancerBase no. 11 [Internet]. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2013) [1]. ASR, age-standardized rate.

• 

  Figure 2 (A) Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates and (B) absolute number of incidences and deaths in Korea in 1983 to 2013 (standard population: Segi population).

• 

  Figure 3 Gastric cancer screening participation rate in Korea during 1999 to 2013 (Data from National Cancer Center. Cancer facts and figures 2014. Seoul: Ministry of Health and Welfare; 2014) [2].

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