[Tongyang Ilbo]According to an American media report a few years ago, the number of people who died from cancer in 2019 alone was over 10 million worldwide. In addition, it was counted that the number of cancer patients in Korea exceeded 2 million. As I was familiar with it, the death rate from cancer reminded me once once more as I wrote this article. If you take a closer look around me, you will nod your head at the media results that you can often see it in people with cancer, even young people in their 20s and 30s. There doesn’t seem to be any age or gender where you don’t really have to worry regarding cancer.
Cancer is the number one cause of death in Korea in 2020, and it is ironic that cancer should be congratulated for keeping the top spot for the past several years.
Although it is not known exactly how it develops as a representative cause of cancer that remains so firmly established, recent environmental changes such as global warming and rapid aging are regarded as the main causes of cancer. Lifestyle habits, viruses, and genetic factors are also factors that cannot be ignored. For reference, the aging index of Korea was 132.9 (as of November 1, 2020), which is almost double the figure in 2010 (69.7).
But the future is not too bleak. Not only Korea but also other developed countries are implementing cancer screening programs to reduce cancer mortality. It can be detected early through screening, and if treated early, more than 90% of the cure is possible.
In Korea, the 5-year net survival rate of cancer is generally higher than that of the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan as a result of international comparisons. The 5-year relative survival rate of cancer is continuously increasing. In line with this trend, the country is working hard to lower the cancer incidence and increase the survival rate.
The current national cancer screening program is currently underway for stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer, and recently, lung cancer has also been added.
Colorectal cancer starts at age 50, stomach cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer (those who meet the criteria) over 40 years old, and cervical cancer starts at age 20 (women) with lung cancer (those who meet the criteria).
This year, even-numbered people in 2022 are being screened. Those who have not been screened so far should be informed that they should go and get a checkup as soon as possible.
In order to prevent cancer, of course, screening is important, but a balanced diet and regular exercise should keep you healthy. Above all, it is important for those who have experienced cancer to prevent the recurrence of existing cancers or the occurrence of other cancers. It is advisable to conduct regular health check-ups to find out whether you have had cancer or not.
For a healthy life, let’s all run together to live a healthy life, living up to the age of 100, by performing check-ups according to the year of birth to check the condition of one’s body and prevent cancer as well as other diseases.
