J Korean Med Assoc.  2025 Feb;68(2):82-86. 10.5124/jkma.2025.68.2.82.

Population attributable fraction as a key measure of primary cancer prevention strategy

• Park S
• Choi YJ
• Park SK
• Seo HG

• KMID: 2565510
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2025.68.2.82

Abstract

Background
A fundamental objective of public health is to identify the causes of diseases and associated risk factors to develop effective prevention strategies. In this regard, the population attributable fraction (PAF) has become a key epidemiological measure for quantifying the proportion of disease incidence in a population attributable to specific risk factors.
Current Concepts
The concept of PAF is widely applied in epidemiological and public health research, playing a crucial role in prioritizing disease prevention and management strategies. Estimating the PAF of cancer risk factors based on national data provides essential evidence for the formulation of government-led cancer control policies and prevention strategies. In particular, these estimates serve as critical indicators for evaluating cancer control programs and informing policy decisions. Given the variations in risk factor prevalence across different populations, it is crucial to estimate PAF using country-specific data to ensure the development of tailored and effective public health interventions.
Discussion and Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of PAF as a foundational tool for evidencebased policymaking and highlights the need for periodic reassessment to enhance the effectiveness of cancer prevention and control efforts.

Keyword

Population attributable fraction; Cancer prevention; Risk factors; 인구집단기여분율; 암예방; 위험요인