Cancer Statistics in Korea: Incidence, Mortality, Survival, and Prevalence in 2020

Summary: Each year, the American Cancer Society compiles data on cancer occurrence and outcomes in the United States. The latest data shows that breast and prostate cancer progress has stagnated, while lung cancer has shown improvements in survival rates. Lung cancer incidence for advanced disease has declined while localized-stage rates have increased, resulting in higher survival rates. Mortality patterns align with incidence trends, with lung cancer deaths declining rapidly, breast cancer deaths slowing, and prostate cancer deaths stabilizing.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant decline in cancer screening rates worldwide. This study focused on the impact of the pandemic on cancer screening rates in South Korea, and found that the rates for colorectal, stomach, breast, and cervical cancer screenings decreased between 2019 and 2020. The study also revealed that screening rates were lower for metropolitan residents, individuals with higher socioeconomic status, and those without a history of chronic diseases.