Cancer Incidence Analysis and Epidemiology in Korea
Summary
Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Republic of Korea, where rapid demographic ageing and shifting lifestyles have driven pronounced changes in incidence patterns over recent decades. National surveillance utilises the Korea Central Cancer Registry alongside comprehensive insurance claims to generate age-standardised incidence rates for major sites, notably stomach, thyroid, lung, colorectal, liver and breast. Widespread population screening programmes for gastric and breast cancer have yielded earlier detection and improved survival, whereas emerging excesses in thyroid and prostate tumours have stimulated debate over overdiagnosis. Geographic and socioeconomic disparities persist, reflecting variations in environmental exposures, healthcare access and behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, diet and physical inactivity. Methodological advances in spatial epidemiology and longitudinal cohort analyses now allow more granular assessment of incidence trends, cluster detection and evaluation of screening effectiveness. Integration of molecular biomarkers and real-world data from hospital networks promises to refine risk stratification and guide tailored prevention strategies. Collectively, these efforts underscore Korea’s role as a model for dynamic cancer surveillance and evidence-based public health policy, with lessons applicable to other nations confronting similar transitions.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Cancer Incidence Analysis and Epidemiology in Korea publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cancer incidence analysis and epidemiology in korea across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Age-standardised incidence rate: A weighted measure of new cancer cases that adjusts for differences in age distribution between populations.
SEER stage: A categorisation of cancer extent at diagnosis—localized, regional or distant—used to assess severity and prognosis.
Cohort study: An observational design that follows a defined group over time to examine disease occurrence and risk factors.
Incidence: The number of new cancer cases occurring in a population during a specified period.
Prevalence: The total number of individuals living with cancer at a given point in time, encompassing both new and pre-existing cases.
References
- Health Care Utilization and Anti-Cancer Drug Expenditure for Six Solid Cancers in Korea From 2007 to 2019. Frontiers in Oncology (2022).
- Regional disparities in major cancer incidence in South Korea, 1999–2018. Epidemiology and Health (2023).
- Underuse of Gastric Cancer Screening Services among Koreans with Type 2 Diabetes. Healthcare (2023).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.