Epidemiology and Health

Original Articles

Risk factors for early-onset lung cancer in Korea: analysis of a nationally representative population-based cohort: Jihun Kang, Taeyun Kim, Kyung-Do Han, Jin-Hyung Jung, Su-Min Jeong, Yo Hwan Yeo, Kyuwon Jung, Hyun Lee, Jong Ho Cho, Dong Wook Shin; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023101. Published online November 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023101

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
We examined the associations of socioeconomic factors, health behaviors, and comorbidities with early-onset lung cancer.
METHODS
The study included 6,794,287 individuals aged 20-39 years who participated in a Korean national health check-up program from 2009 to 2012. During the follow-up period, 4,684 participants developed lung cancer. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the independent associations of potential risk factors with incident lung cancer.
RESULTS
Older age (multivariable hazard ratio [mHR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1.14) and female sex (mHR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.49 to 1.75) were associated with increased lung cancer risk. Current smoking was also associated with elevated risk (<10 pack-years: mHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.24; ≥10 pack-years: mHR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.45), but past smoking was not. Although mild alcohol consumption (<10 g/day) was associated with lower lung cancer risk (mHR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.99), heavier alcohol consumption (≥10 g/day) was not. Higher income (highest vs. lowest quartile: mHR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.94), physical activity for at least 1,500 metabolic equivalent of task-min/wk (vs. non-exercisers: mHR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.99) and obesity (vs. normal weight: mHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.96) were associated with lower lung cancer risk, whereas metabolic syndrome was associated with increased risk (mHR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.24).
CONCLUSIONS
In young adults, age, female sex, smoking, and metabolic syndrome were risk factors for early-onset lung cancer, while high income, physical activity, and obesity displayed protective effects.; Summary

Korean summary
나이, 여성, 흡연, 그리고 대사 증후군은 조기 발생 폐암의 위험도 증가와 연관이 있었다. 반면에 높은 소득, 신체 활동, 비만은 젊은 성인에서 폐암 발생의 위험도 감소와 연관성을 나타내었다.

Key Message
Age, female sex, smoking, and metabolic syndrome were risk factors for early-onset lung cancer. While, high income, physical activity, and obesity displayed protective effects on the development of lung cancer in young adults.

Interaction between vitamin E intake and a COMT gene variant on colorectal cancer risk among Korean adults: a case-control study: Shinyoung Jun, Madhawa Gunathilake, Jeonghee Lee, Jae Hwan Oh, Hee Jin Chang, Dae Kyung Sohn, Aesun Shin, Jeongseon Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023100. Published online November 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023100

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Previous human trials have not supported the anticarcinogenic effect of vitamin E despite biological plausibility and considerable epidemiological evidence. A possible explanation for this inconsistency is the interactive effect of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene and supplemental vitamin E on cancer. We examined whether a COMT gene variant modulates the effect of dietary vitamin E intake on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk.
METHODS
In this case-control study of Korean adults (975 cases and 975 age- and sex-matched controls), dietary vitamin E density (mg/1,000 kcal) was measured using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, COMT single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs740603 (A>G) was genotyped, and CRC was verified histologically. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression models with adjustments for potential confounders.
RESULTS
Higher vitamin E density was associated with a lower risk of CRC (highest vs. lowest quartiles: OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.96; p-for-trend=0.002). When stratified by COMT SNP rs740603 genotype, the inverse association between vitamin E density and CRC risk was confined to those with at least 1 A allele (≥median vs. <median: OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.78). The interaction between rs740603 and vitamin E density was significant (p-for-interaction=0.020). No direct association was observed between COMT SNP rs740603 and CRC risk (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.41).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support a role for a genetic polymorphism in COMT in modifying the association between dietary vitamin E intake and CRC.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 국립암센터에서 수집한 대장암 환자-대조군 자료를 활용하여, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) 유전자의 단일염기다형성(SNP)에 따라 비타민 E 섭취와 대장암 위험 간의 연관성이 달라지는지 파악하고자 하였다. 분석 결과, COMT SNP rs740603의 유전자형에 따라 식이를 통한 비타민 E 섭취 밀도와 대장암 위험 간의 연관성이 다르게 나타나 COMT 유전자와 비타민 E 섭취 간의 상호작용이 대장암 발생 위험에 영향을 미칠 가능성이 있음을 제시하였다.

Key Message
In this case-control study of Korean adults, we examined whether a polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene modulates the effect of dietary vitamin E intake on colorectal cancer risk. Our results suggest that the inverse association between vitamin E density and colorectal cancer risk is confined to carriers of the COMT rs740603 A allele. The findings of our study support the interactive effect of the COMT gene and vitamin E intake on colorectal cancer risk.

Socioeconomic inequality in organized and opportunistic screening for colorectal cancer: results from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, 2009-2021: Xuan Quy Luu, Kyeongmin Lee, Jae Kwan Jun, Mina Suh, Kui Son Choi; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023086. Published online September 17, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023086

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate socioeconomic status (SES)-based inequality in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Korea. We assessed whether the rates of opportunistic and organized CRC screening differed according to income and education levels.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey of 27,654 cancer-free individuals, aged 50-74 years, from 2009 to 2021. The weighted cancer screening rates with trends were estimated with the average annual percentage change using joinpoint regression. Inequality was calculated in both relative and absolute terms, based on a Poisson regression model.

RESULTS

The organized screening rate increased significantly from 22.1% in 2009 to 53.1% in 2020 and 50.6% in 2021, with an average annual change of 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9 to 12.5). In contrast, no significant trend was observed for opportunistic screening. The SES inequality in opportunistic screening uptake was indicated by a slope index of inequality (SII) of 9.74% (95% CI, 6.36 to 13.12), relative index of inequality (RII) of 2.18 (95% CI, 1.75 to 2.70) in terms of education level; and an SII of 7.03% (95% CI, 4.09 to 9.98), RII of 1.81 (95% CI, 1.41 to 2.31) in terms of measured income. Although there was an increasing trend in income inequality, no significant SES inequalities were observed in the overall estimates for organized screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Organized CRC screening is effective in improving the participation rate, regardless of SES. However, significant inequalities were found in opportunistic screening, suggesting room for improvement in the overall equity of CRC screening.

Summary

Korean summary
이번 연구는 한국의 대장암 검진에서 사회경제적 수준에 따른 불평등이 있는지를 분석했다. 국가암검진사업 도입 이래로 2009-2021년 연구기간 동안 공공검진을 통한 대장암 수검률은 지속적으로 증가한 반면, 개인검진의 증가는 관찰되지 않았다. 특히 공공 검진의 경우 소득이나 교육수준에 따른 수검률에 차이는 없는 반면, 개인검진에서는 상당한불평등이 관찰되었다.

Key Message
"The study investigated socioeconomic status (SES)-based inequality in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Korea. We found that the introduction of the National Cancer Screening Program for CRC effectively increased the participation rate, regardless of the SES of the individuals throughout the study period. However, significant inequalities were observed in opportunistic screening related to education and income."

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Disparities in Cancer Incidence across Income Levels in South Korea
Su-Min Jeong, Kyu-Won Jung, Juwon Park, Nayeon Kim, Dong Wook Shin, Mina Suh
Cancers.2023; 15(24): 5898. CrossRef

Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research and Korean Cancer Prevention Guidelines and cancer risk: a prospective cohort study from the Health Examinees-Gem study: Jeeyoo Lee, Aesun Shin, Woo-Kyoung Shin, Ji-Yeob Choi, Daehee Kang, Jong-Koo Lee; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023070. Published online August 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023070

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to explore the association between adherence to 2 cancer prevention recommendations and cancer risk.

METHODS

In total, 104,386 individuals aged 40-69 years old who were recruited between 2004 and 2013 in the Health Examinees-Gem study were included. Adherence scores were constructed based on 8 items from the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) cancer prevention recommendations, including body weight, physical activity, diet, alcohol consumption and breastfeeding, and on 6 items from the Korean cancer prevention guidelines (smoking status, eating vegetables and fruits, salty foods, alcohol intake, physical activity, and body weight). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the associations between adherence scores and the risk of total and 5 major cancers.

RESULTS

The multivariable hazard ratio (HR) for total cancer with the high adherence score versus the lowest score (4.25-7.00 vs. 0.00-3.25) for the WCRF/AICR guidelines was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 1.00) in men. A reduced breast cancer risk was observed among women with the highest score. Men within the highest category of the Korean cancer prevention guideline score (3.25-6.00) had an HR of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.73 to 0.88) for developing total cancer compared to men within the lowest score (0.00-2.50). The higher adherence group among men showed lower risks of developing stomach, colorectal, and lung cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Adhering to guidelines for cancer prevention can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer in Korean men. The association might differ by cancer type and gender.

Summary

Korean summary
- 암예방 가이드라인 준수가 실제로 암 발생을 예방하는지에 대한 해외 연구들이 다수 있으나 한국을 포함한 아시아 국가에서 수행된 연구는 없다. - 국제암연구재단 암예방수칙과 한국 암예방수칙을 준수하는 한국인 남성에서 암 발생 감소가 관찰되었다. 이러한 관련성은 암종에 따라 다르게 나타났다.

Key Message
- The adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) guidelines on cancer prevention has been addressed in several studies in Western countries. -Among the Korean population, adherence to WCRF/AICR cancer prevention guidelines as well as the Korean cancer prevention guidelines helps prevent cancer in men. Association varies by gender and type of cancer.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Compliance with the WCRF/AICR Recommendations in Qualitative Adaptation and the Occurrence of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Beata Stasiewicz, Lidia Wadolowska, Maciej Biernacki, Malgorzata Anna Slowinska, Ewa Stachowska
Cancers.2024; 16(2): 468. CrossRef

Changes in metabolic syndrome and the risk of breast and endometrial cancer according to menopause in Korean women: Thi Xuan Mai Tran, Soyeoun Kim, Boyoung Park; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023049. Published online May 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023049

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study investigated how changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with the subsequent risk of breast and endometrial cancer according to menopausal status.

METHODS

This cohort study, using data from the National Health Insurance Service database, included women aged ≥40 years who underwent 2 biennial cancer screenings (2009-2010 and 2011-2012) and were followed up until 2020. Participants were grouped into MetS-free, MetS-recovery, MetS-development, and MetS-persistent groups. Menopausal status (premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal) was assessed at 2 screenings. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess the association between MetS changes and cancer risk.

RESULTS

In 3,031,980 women, breast and endometrial cancers were detected in 39,184 and 4,298, respectively. Compared with the MetS-free group, those who recovered, developed, or had persistent MetS showed an increased risk of breast cancer, with adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of 1.05, 1.05, and 1.11, respectively (p<0.005). MetS persistence was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women (aHR, 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 1.16) but not in premenopausal or perimenopausal women. MetS persistence was associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women, with aHRs of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.70), 1.59 (95% CI, 1.19 to 2.12), and 1.47 (95% CI, 1.32 to 1.63), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased breast cancer risk was associated with recovered, developed, and persistent MetS in postmenopausal women. Meanwhile, increased endometrial cancer risk was found in obese women who recovered from MetS or persistently had MetS, regardless of menopausal status, when compared to MetS-free women.

Summary

Korean summary
- 폐경후 여성에서 대사증후군이 회복되었거나, 지속적으로 대사증후군을 앓고 있거나, 대사증후군이 발병한 여성은 유방암 위험과 관련이 있었습니다. - 한편, 폐경 상태와 관계없이 대사증후군에서 회복되었거나 지속적으로 대사증후군를 앓고 있는 비만 여성은 대사증후군이 없는 여성에 비해 자궁내막암 위험이 증가하는 것으로 나타났습니다.

Key Message
- Increased breast cancer risk was associated with recovered, developed, and persistent MetS in postmenopausal women. - Increased endometrial cancer risk was found in obese women who recovered from MetS or persistently had MetS, regardless of menopausal status, when compared to MetS-free women.

Citations

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Melatonin, BAG-1 and cortisol circadian interactions in tumor pathogenesis and patterned immune responses
George Anderson
Exploration of Targeted Anti-tumor Therapy.2023; : 962. CrossRef
Changed Endocrinology in Postmenopausal Women: A Comprehensive View
Vidhi Motlani, Gunjan Motlani, Soumya Pamnani, Akshat Sahu, Neema Acharya
Cureus.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Cohort Profile

Integrated database-based Screening Cohort for Asian Nomadic descendants in China (Scan-China): Insights on prospective ethnicity-focused cancer screening: Yuelin Yu, Liying Qiao, Jing Han, Weiwei Wang, Weiwei Kang, Yunjing Zhang, Shu Shang, Ruogu Meng, Lin Zhuo, Siyan Zhan, Yunfeng Xi, Shengfeng Wang; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023048. Published online April 18, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023048

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
Established in 2017, the Screening Cohort for Asian Nomadic descendants in China (Scan-China) has benefited over 180,000 members of a multi-ethnic population, particularly individuals of Mongolian descent compared with the general population (Han ethnicity), in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. This cohort study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer screening and serve as a real-world data platform for cancer studies. The 6 most prevalent cancers in China are considered—namely, breast, lung, colorectal, gastric, liver and esophageal cancer. After baseline cancer risk assessments and screening tests, both active and passive follow-up (based on the healthcare insurance database, cancer registry, the front page of hospital medical records, and death certificates) will be conducted to trace participants’ onset and progression of cancers and other prevalent chronic diseases. Scan-China has preliminarily found a disproportionately lower screening participation rate and higher incidence/mortality rates of esophageal and breast cancer among the Mongolian population than among their Han counterparts. Further research will explore the cancer burden, natural history, treatment patterns, and risk factors of the target cancers.; Summary

Key Message
- Scan-China is the first and largest electronic health data (EHD)-integrated cancer screening program for the Mongolian ethnicity in Inner Mongolia. - Scan-China aims to evaluate the effectiveness of screening interventions, particularly on ethnic minorities, portray the natural history, explore risk factors and summarize treatment patterns and updated outcomes of prevalent tumors/other chronic diseases. - Scan-China database comprises baseline cancer risk assessment, screening tests results, active follow-up investigation for participants at high risk and EHD-integrated passive follow-up. Data sources for passive follow-up include healthcare insurance database, cancer registry, front page of hospital medical record and death certificates.

Original Articles

Risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolism, and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving Janus kinase inhibitors: a real-world retrospective observational study using Korean health insurance data: Hong Ki Min, Hyeongsu Kim, Ho Jin Jeong, Se Hee Kim, Hae-Rim Kim, Sang-Heon Lee, KunSei Lee, Soon-Ae Shin, Jong Heon Park; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023045. Published online April 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023045

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study investigated whether Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) raise the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and cancer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We conducted a real-world retrospective observational study using data obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Two data sets were analyzed: tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi)/JAKi-naive RA patients (set 1) and all RA patients who used TNFis or JAKis (set 2). The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, cardiovascular (CV)-related mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), VTE, arterial thromboembolism (ATE), cancer, and all-cause mortality were compared between the JAKi and TNFi groups.

RESULTS

Set 1 included 1,596 RA patients (JAKi group: 645; TNFi group: 951), and set 2 included 11,765 RA patients (JAKi group: 2,498; TNFi group: 9,267). No adverse events (AEs) showed significantly higher IRRs in the JAKi groups than in the TNFi groups of sets 1 and 2. The HRs for MACE in the JAKi groups of sets 1 and 2 were 0.59 (95% confidence [CI], 0.35 to 0.99) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.97), respectively. The JAKi group of set 2 showed a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.32 to 2.20), but the other AEs did not demonstrate increased risks in the JAKi groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, JAKis did not increase the risk of AMI, stroke, CV-related mortality, MACE, VTE, ATE, or cancer in Korean RA patients relative to TNFis.

Summary

Korean summary
1. 한국인 류마티스관절염 환자를 대상으로 한 실제임상자료 결과, JAK 억제제가 종양괴사인자 억제제에 비해 심혈관질환, 혈전증, 암 등의 심각한 부작용을 증가시키지는 않았다. 2. 본 연구를 토대로 한국인 대상자에서 JAK 억제제가 심혈관질환 등의 심각한 부작용을 증가시키는지에 대한 재평가가 필요하다.

Key Message
1. The real word-data based results showed that risks of MACE, thromboembolism, and cancers were not increased in Korean RA patients with JAK inhibitor when compared to Korean RA patients with TNF inhibitors. 2. Therefore, the risk of serious adverse events of JAK inhibitors in Korean population should be reconsidered and reassessed before adding black box warning of JAK inhibitors.

Citations

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Multicenter evaluation of tofacitinib retention and safety in rheumatoid arthritis – why cardiovascular risk factors do not equate to overt risk
Anna Felis-Giemza, Mateusz Moskal, Krzysztof Proc, Zbigniew Guzera, Marcin Stajszczyk, Karolina Palej, Kornelia Chmurzyńska, Piotr Wiland, Krzysztof Batko, Bogdan Batko
Rheumatology.2024; 61(6): 414. CrossRef
Safety and Effectiveness of Baricitinib in Chinese Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis: 24-Week Results from a Post-Marketing Safety Study
Chan-yuan Wu, Qian Wang, Jian Shi, Xiu-ying Zhang, Rong Du, Jie-ruo Gu, Qi-huan Liu, Jiao Yu, Jia-wei Xu, Yan-jie Zhang, Hao Zhu, Meng-tao Li, Xiao-feng Zeng
Rheumatology and Therapy.2023; 10(6): 1609. CrossRef
Comparative cardiovascular safety with janus kinase inhibitors and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs as used in clinical practice: an observational cohort study from Sweden in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Hannah Bower, Thomas Frisell, Daniela di Giuseppe, Benedicte Delcoigne, Johan Askling
RMD Open.2023; 9(4): e003630. CrossRef
Are JAKis more effective among elderly patients with RA, smokers and those with higher cardiovascular risk? A comparative effectiveness study of b/tsDMARDs in Sweden
Hannah Bower, Thomas Frisell, Daniela di Giuseppe, Benedicte Delcoigne, Ulf Lindström, Carl Turesson, Katerina Chatzidionysiou, Elisabet Lindqvist, Ann Knight, Helena Forsblad-d'Elia, Johan Askling
RMD Open.2023; 9(4): e003648. CrossRef

Disease burden of prostate cancer from 2014 to 2019 in the United States: estimation from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey: Shen Lin, Dong Lin, Yiyuan Li, Lixian Zhong, Wei Zhou, Yajing Wu, Chen Xie, Shaohong Luo, Xiaoting Huang, Xiongwei Xu, Xiuhua Weng; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023038. Published online March 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023038

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the disease burden of prostate cancer (PC) and assess key influencing factors associated with the disease expenditures of PC in the United States.
METHODS
The total deaths, incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years of PC were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was used to estimate healthcare expenditures and productivity loss and to investigate patterns of payment and use of healthcare resources in the United States. A multivariable logistic regression model was conducted to identify key factors influencing expenditures.
RESULTS
For patients aged 50 and older, the burden for all age groups showed a modest increase over the 6-year period. Annual medical expenditures were estimated to range from US$24.8 billion to US$39.2 billion from 2014 to 2019. The annual loss in productivity for patients was approximately US$1,200. The top 3 major components of medical costs were hospital inpatient stays, prescription medicines, and office-based visits. Medicare was the largest source of payments for survivors. In terms of drug consumption, genitourinary tract agents (57.0%) and antineoplastics (18.6%) were the main therapeutic drugs. High medical expenditures were positively associated with age (p=0.005), having private health insurance (p=0.016), more comorbidities, not currently smoking (p=0.001), and patient self-perception of fair/poor health status (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
From 2014 to 2019, the national real-world data of PC revealed that the disease burden in the United States continued to increase, which was partly related to patient characteristics.; Summary

Key Message
This study quantified the disease burden of prostate cancer and showed that the burden is still substantial in the US from 2014-2019. This study explored the patients’ payment sources for healthcare expenditures and identified the top types of healthcare service expenditure for PC survivors. Moreover, this study also assessed key influencing factors for the high healthcare expenditures, which were associated with some demographic characteristics, such as age, having private health insurance, more comorbidities, smoking situation, and patients’ self-perceived health status.

The associations of tobacco use, sexually transmitted infections, HPV vaccination, and screening with the global incidence of cervical cancer: an ecological time series modeling study: Luyan Zheng, Yushi Lin, Jie Wu, Min Zheng; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023005. Published online December 13, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023005

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to quantify the temporal associations between cervical cancer incidence and cervical cancer-related factors and to predict the number of new cervical cancer cases averted under counterfactual scenarios compared to the status quo scenario.
METHODS
We described temporal trends in cervical cancer and associated factors globally from 1990 to 2019. We then used generalized linear mixed models to explore the impact of tobacco use, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and cervical screening on cervical cancer incidence. A counterfactual analysis was performed to simulate the most effective scenario for reducing cervical cancer incidence.
RESULTS
The worldwide incidence of cervical cancer showed a downward trend over the past 3 decades (estimated annual percentage change, -0.72%), although the incidence remained high (>30 cases per 100,000 persons) in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Higher smoking and STI prevalence showed significant direct associations with the incidence of cervical cancer, whereas HPV vaccination and screening coverage showed significant inverse associations. If the strategic goals for accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer and tobacco control programs had been achieved in 2019, the largest decrease in the number of new cervical cancer cases would have been observed, with 54,169 fewer new cases of cervical cancer in 2019.
CONCLUSIONS
Our counterfactual analysis found that a comprehensive intervention program emphasizing scaled-up cervical screening coverage (70%), HPV vaccination coverage (90%), and tobacco control (30% relative reduction) would be the most effective program for reducing cervical cancer incidence.; Summary

Key Message
A comprehensive intervention program emphasizing scaled-up cervical screening coverage (70%), HPV vaccination coverage (90%), and tobacco control (30% relative reduction) would be the most effective program for reducing cervical cancer incidence in our counterfactual analysis.

Trends in breast cancer screening rates among Korean women: results from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, 2005-2020: Soo Yeon Song, Yun Yeong Lee, Hye Young Shin, Bomi Park, Mina Suh, Kui Son Choi, Jae Kwan Jun; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022111. Published online November 24, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022111

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Since 2002, the Korean government has provided breast cancer screening as part of the National Cancer Screening Program. This study reported trends in the screening rate among Korean women from 2005 to 2020, including organized and opportunistic screening for breast cancer.

METHODS

Data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annual cross-sectional nationwide survey, were collected using a structured questionnaire between 2005 and 2020. The study population included 23,702 women aged 40-74 years with no history of cancer. We estimated the screening rate based on the current recommendation of biennial mammographic screening for breast cancer. In addition, a joinpoint trend analysis was performed for breast cancer screening rates among various subgroups.

RESULTS

In 2020, the breast cancer screening rate was 63.5%, reflecting an annual increase of 7.72% (95% confidence interval 5.53 to 9.95) between 2005 and 2012, followed by non-significant trends thereafter. In particular, a significant decrease in the breast cancer screening rate was observed in the subgroups aged 50-59 years old, with 12-15 years of education, and living in rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there has been substantial improvement in breast cancer screening rates in Korean women, the trend has flattened in recent years. Therefore, continual efforts are required to identify subgroups with unmet needs and solve barriers to the uptake of breast cancer screening.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 2005년에서 2020년까지 암검진수검행태조사 자료를 이용하여 40세 이상의 우리나라 여성의 유방암 검진 수검률이 추이에 대해 분석하였다. 우리나라 유방암 검진 수검률은 2020년 현재 63.5%이다. 하지만 지속적으로 증가하던 유방암 검진 수검률의 추이는 2012년 이후 정체되어 있으며 일부 사회경제적 계층에서는 감소하는 경향을 보였다.

Key Message
In Korea, despite of the high level of breast cancer screening rate, decreasing trends in some socioeconomic classes after 2012. Continual efforts are required to identify subgroup with unmet needs and barriers to the uptake of breast cancer screening.

Citations

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Why is the screening rate in lung cancer still low? A seven-country analysis of the factors affecting adoption
Charlotte Poon, Tim Wilsdon, Iqra Sarwar, Alexander Roediger, Megan Yuan
Frontiers in Public Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Mammographic Breast Density and Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Korean Women
Thi Xuan Mai Tran, Soyeoun Kim, Boyoung Park
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.2023; 32(12): 1690. CrossRef

Gastric cancer risk is reduced by a predominance of antioxidant factors in the oxidative balance: a hospital-based case-control study in Korea: Jimi Kim, Jeonghee Lee, Il Ju Choi, Young-Il Kim, Jeongseon Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022089. Published online October 17, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022089

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Gastric carcinogenesis is linked to oxidative stress from both exogenous and endogenous exposures. This study aimed to determine the association between the risk of gastric cancer and the oxidative balance score (OBS), which comprises antioxidant and pro-oxidant factors, including diet and lifestyle.

METHODS

For this hospital-based case-control study, 808 controls and 404 patients with gastric cancer who had clinical records indicating Helicobacter pylori infection and the histological subtype of cancer were recruited. The OBS was determined based on diet and lifestyle factors obtained from a 106-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and a constructed questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A higher OBS was associated with a reduced gastric cancer risk (OR, 0.49; 95% CI T3 vs. T1, 0.33 to 0.71; p for trend <0.001). In a subgroup analysis, antioxidant factors showed inverse associations with gastric cancer risk (OR, 0.53; 95% CI T3 vs. T1, 0.35 to 0.79; p for trend=0.003). A stronger association with antioxidant factors was observed in patients with intestinal gastric cancer (OR, 0.34; 95% CI T3 vs. T1, 0.19 to 0.62; p for trend<0.001) and those with H. pylori infection (OR, 0.57; 95% CI T3 vs. T1, 0.37 to 0.88; p for trend=0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

A predominance of antioxidant factors compared to pro-oxidant factors from diet and lifestyle reduced the risk of gastric cancer. The combined effect of oxidative stress, which involves an altered balance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants, is important for modulating the risk of gastric cancer.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구에서는 한국인 암 발생의 상위권을 차지하는 위암 발병률에 대해 영양소, 식품, 생활습관 등 항산화와 산화촉진 요인으로 구성된 산화 균형 점수(Oxidative Balance Score)와의 연관성을 비교 분석하였습니다. 산화촉진 요인에 비해 항산화 관련 요인에서 위암 발생의 위험이 유의하게 감소함을 나타냈습니다.

Key Message
The aim of this study was to determine the association between the risk of gastric cancer and the oxidative balance score comprising antioxidant and pro-oxidants factors, including diet and lifestyle. We found that predominantly antioxidants from diet and lifestyle, in contrast to pro-oxidants, reduce the risk of gastric cancer.

Citations

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Association between oxidative balance score and prostate specific antigen among older US adults
Jintao Li, Chao Yang, Kui Xiang
Frontiers in Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
The systemic oxidative stress score has a prognostic value on gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery
Xinyu Wang, Limin Zhang
Frontiers in Oncology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
An oxidative stress biomarkers predict prognosis in gastric cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor
Guiming Deng, Hao Sun, Rong Huang, Hongming Pan, Yanjiao Zuo, Ruihu Zhao, Zhongze Du, Yingwei Xue, Hongjiang Song
Frontiers in Oncology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Oxidative balance score and risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Motahareh Hasani, Seyedeh Parisa Alinia, Maryam Khazdouz, Sahar Sobhani, Parham Mardi, Hanieh-Sadat Ejtahed, Mostafa Qorbani
BMC Cancer.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

The risk of gastric cancer according to changes in smoking status among Korean men: Sung Keun Park, Min-Ho Kim, Chang-Mo Oh, Eunhee Ha, Eun Hye Yang, Woo Yeon Hwang, Ann Hee You, Jae-Hong Ryoo; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022086. Published online October 7, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022086

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Abstract Summary PDF

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Smoking is a risk factor for gastric cancer. Studies have shown that the risk of gastric cancer can vary by smoking status and smoking amount at a single point in time. However, few data have been reported about the effect of changes in smoking status over time on the risk of gastric cancer.

METHODS

This study collected data from the National Health Insurance Corporation in Korea on 97,700 Korean men without gastric cancer who underwent health check-ups from 2002 to 2013. The smoking status (never smoked, quit smoking, and currently smoking) of study participants was assessed in 2003-2004 and 2009, and the results were categorized into 7 groups: never-never, never-quit, never-current, quit-quit, quit-current, current-quit, and current-current. Participants were followed until 2013 to identify incident gastric cancer. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident gastric cancer according to changes in smoking status and smoking amount (pack-years).

RESULTS

Compared with group 1 (never-never), participants currently smoking in 2009 (never-current, quit-current, and current-current) had higher HRs for gastric cancer (never-quit: 1.077; 95% CI, 0.887 to 1.306, never-current: 1.347; 95% CI, 0.983 to1.846, quit-quit: 1.086; 95% CI, 0.863 to 1.366, quit-current: 1.538; 95% CI, 1.042 to 2.269, current-quit: 1.339; 95% CI, 1.077 to 1.666, and current-current: 1.589; 95% CI, 1.355 to 1.864, respectively). The risk for gastric cancer was highest in heavy smokers, followed by moderate smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

In all categories of smoking status, current smoking was associated with the highest risk of gastric cancer. Heavy smoking was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, even in former smokers.

Summary

Korean summary
현재 흡연자의 경우 과거 흡연여부와 관계 없이 위암의 위험성이 가장 증가한다. 과거 흡연자의 경우에는 흡연량이 많은 경우에는 위암의 위험성이 증가한다. 이런 결과는 금연이나 흡연량을 줄이는 것이 위암의 위험성을 감소시키는데 매우 중요한 요인이란 것을 확인할 수 있다.

Key Message
Current smoking was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, regardless of previous smoking status. Although former smoking was not associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, former smokers with a history of heavy smoking had an increased risk of gastric cancer. These results suggest that smoking cessation and reducing smoking amounts are both important factors in reducing the risk of gastric cancer.

Citations

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Gastric dysplasia in random biopsies: the influence of Helicobacter pylori infection and alcohol consumption in the presence of a lesion
Ana Isabel Ferreira, Tiago Lima Capela, Vítor Macedo Silva, Sofia Xavier, Pedro Boal Carvalho, Joana Magalhães, José Cotter
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology.2024; 59(2): 125. CrossRef

Association of the inflammatory balance of diet and lifestyle with colorectal cancer among Korean adults: a case-control study: Shinyoung Jun, Jeonghee Lee, Jae Hwan Oh, Hee Jin Chang, Dae Kyung Sohn, Aesun Shin, Jeongseon Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022084. Published online September 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022084

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Dietary and lifestyle exposures may affect the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) by promoting chronic inflammation. Therefore, we assessed the separate and joint associations of dietary and lifestyle inflammation scores (DIS and LIS, respectively) with CRC.

METHODS

Data from 919 pathologically confirmed CRC cases and 1,846 age- and sex-matched controls recruited at the National Cancer Center Korea were analyzed. We calculated the DIS and LIS, which characterize the collective contributions of 19 dietary and 4 lifestyle factors, respectively, to systemic inflammation by applying weights based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. A higher score represented a higher balance of pro- to anti-inflammatory exposures. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CRC risk compared across the DIS and LIS tertile categories, with the lowest tertile as the reference group.

RESULTS

The highest DIS tertile had significantly increased odds of having CRC (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 2.10 to 3.36), and the odds increased with increasing DIS. The highest LIS tertile group had 1.28-fold higher odds of having CRC (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.58). In the cross-classification analysis, the odds of having CRC increased as the DIS and LIS jointly increased until the DIS reached the highest tertile, where the risk was very high (3-fold or more) regardless of the LIS.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a higher balance of pro-inflammatory relative to anti-inflammatory dietary and lifestyle factors, especially dietary factors, was associated with higher CRC risk among Korean adults.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 국립암센터에서 수집한 대장암 환자-대조군 데이터를 활용하여, 새롭게 개발된 식이 염증 지수(Dietary Inflammation Score, DIS) 및 생활습관 염증 지수(Lifestyle Inflammation Score, LIS)와 대장암 발생 위험 간의 연관성을 탐색하였다. 분석 결과, 식이 염증 지수 혹은 생활습관 염증 지수가 높은 집단에서 대장암 위험이 더 높아, 식이와 생활습관이 체내 염증 수준을 높여 대장암 발생 위험을 높일 가능성이 제기되었다

Key Message
Dietary inflammation score (DIS) and lifestyle inflammation score (LIS) quantify the collective effect of dietary and lifestyle factors, respectively, on systemic inflammation. In this case-control study, we assessed the associations of DIS and LIS with colorectal cancer risk among Korean adults. Our results suggest that a higher balance of pro-to anti-inflammatory dietary and lifestyle factors may be associated with higher risk for colorectal cancer. The findings from our study support that reducing inflammation through dietary or lifestyle changes could potentially reduce the risk for colorectal cancer.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The association of diet-dependent acid load with colorectal cancer risk: a case–control study in Korea
Tao Thi Tran, Madhawa Gunathilake, Jeonghee Lee, Jae Hwan Oh, Hee Jin Chang, Dae Kyung Sohn, Aesun Shin, Jeongseon Kim
British Journal of Nutrition.2024; 131(2): 333. CrossRef
Gout and Colorectal Cancer Likelihood: Insights from a Nested Case-Control Study of the Korean Population Utilizing the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort
Mi Jung Kwon, Kyeong Min Han, Joo-Hee Kim, Ji Hee Kim, Min-Jeong Kim, Nan Young Kim, Hyo Geun Choi, Ho Suk Kang
Cancers.2023; 15(23): 5602. CrossRef
Dietary intake and cancer incidence in Korean adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Ji Hyun Kim, Shinyoung Jun, Jeongseon Kim
Epidemiology and Health.2023; 45: e2023102. CrossRef

Prediction of cancer survivors’ mortality risk in Korea: a 25-year nationwide prospective cohort study: Yeun Soo Yang, Heejin Kimm, Keum Ji Jung, Seulji Moon, Sunmi Lee, Sun Ha Jee; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022075. Published online September 13, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022075

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting cancer survival and develop a mortality prediction model for Korean cancer survivors. Our study identified lifestyle and mortality risk factors and attempted to determine whether health-promoting lifestyles affect mortality.

METHODS

Among the 1,637,287 participants in the Korean Cancer Prevention Study (KCPS) cohort, 200,834 cancer survivors who were alive after cancer diagnosis were analyzed. Discrimination and calibration for predicting the 10-year mortality risk were evaluated. A prediction model was derived using the Cox model coefficients, mean risk factor values, and mean mortality from the cancer survivors in the KCPS cohort.

RESULTS

During the 21.6-year follow-up, the all-cause mortality rates of cancer survivors were 57.2% and 39.4% in men and women, respectively. Men, older age, current smoking, and a history of diabetes were high-risk factors for mortality, while exercise habits and a family history of cancer were associated with reduced risk. The prediction model discrimination in the validation dataset for both KCPS all-cause mortality and KCPS cancer mortality was shown by C-statistics of 0.69 and 0.68, respectively. Based on the constructed prediction models, when we modified exercise status and smoking status, as modifiable factors, the cancer survivors’ risk of mortality decreased linearly.

CONCLUSIONS

A mortality prediction model for cancer survivors was developed that may be helpful in supporting a healthy life. Lifestyle modifications in cancer survivors may affect their risk of mortality in the future.

Summary

Korean summary
현재 암 생존자의 사망 위험을 평가하는 데 유용한 한국형 암 생존자 사망률 예측 모델은 없습니다. 본 연구에서는 고령, 남성, 현재 흡연, 당뇨병 병력을 포함한 생활양식 요인이 사망의 고위험 요인인 반면, 운동 습관 및 암의 가족력은 사망 위험을 감소시키는 것으로 나타났습니다. 현재 흡연과 운동 습관은 사망 위험에 영향을 미치는 수정 가능한 두 가지 요소로써, 이러한 생활습관 요인으로 구성된 예측모형은 생활습관 교정을 통해 우리나라 암 생존자의 사망률을 낮출 수 있음을 시사합니다.

Key Message
Currently, there is no Korean mortality prediction model for cancer survivors that would be useful in evaluating their risk of mortality. The present study showed that lifestyle factors, including older age, male sex, current smoking, and history of diabetes were high-risk factors for mortality, while exercise habits and a family history of cancer reduced the risk of mortality. Current smoking and exercise habits are the two modifiable factors that affected the risk of mortality. The prediction model comprising these lifestyle factors implies that the risk of mortality of cancer survivors in Korea can be reduced through lifestyle modification.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

COVID-19 Mortality and Severity in Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors
Jae-Min Park, Hye Yeon Koo, Jae-ryun Lee, Hyejin Lee, Jin Yong Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Weight maintenance and gain were significantly associated with lower risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality in Korean adults who were newly diagnosed with cancer based on the Korean NHIS-HEALS cohort
Yong-June Kim, Seung Park, Won Tae Kim, Yoon-Jong Bae, Yonghwan Kim, Hee-Taik Kang
Medicine.2023; 102(47): e36184. CrossRef

Effect of Pap smears on the long-term survival of cervical cancer patients: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea: Xuan Quy Luu, Kyeongmin Lee, Jae Kwan Jun, Mina Suh, kyu-won Jung, Myong Cheol Lim, Kui Son Choi; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022072. Published online September 7, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022072

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate the effect of cervical cancer screening by Papanicolaou (Pap) smears on the long-term survival of cervical cancer patients.
METHODS
We constructed a retrospective cohort of 14,903 women diagnosed with invasive cancer or carcinoma in situ in 2008 and 2009 and followed up until December 31, 2019, by using individual-level data from 3 national databases of the Korean National Cancer Screening Program, the Korean Central Cancer Registry, and death certificates. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to investigate the effect of cervical cancer screening on mortality.
RESULTS
In total, 12,987 out of 14,867 patients (87.4%) were alive at the end of the follow-up period (median: 10.5 years). Screened patients had a 38% lower risk of cervical cancer death than never-screened patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 0.70). Screening was associated with 59% and 35% lower risks of death, respectively, in screened patients with localized and regional stages. Furthermore, lower HRs among women who received screening were observed in all age groups, especially women aged 50–59 years (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.69). The lowest HR for cervical cancer death was reported among patients screened within the past 2 years (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.63), and the HRs increased with increasing time intervals.
CONCLUSIONS
Pap smear screening significantly reduced the risk of cervical cancer-specific death in Korean women across all cancer stages.; Summary

Korean summary
한국은 자궁경부암 발생과 사망을 낮추기 위하여 국가암검진사업으로 자궁경부암 검진을 실시하고 있다. 이 연구는 2008-2009년 자궁경부암 진단을 받은 30세-79세 14,903명을 대상으로 과거 자궁경부세포검진 여부에 따른 장기생존율을 추적 조사하였다. 그 결과 자궁경부암 검진을 받은 환자에서 사망 위험비가 약 38% 낮았으며, 2년 이내에 검진을 받은 환자군에서 사망 위험이 가장 낮았다.

Key Message
The Korean National Cancer Screening Program (KNCSP) has provided cervical cancer screening by Pap smear test. However, the survival, particularly long-term survival of cervical cancer patients, has never been evaluated in the KNCSP. This study reports a significant improvement in the long-term survival of screened cervical cancer patients, which persist in subgroup analysis by cancer stage. Patients who were screened within two years before the diagnosis had the best survival.

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