Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in male. In South Korea, PCa incidence has increased significantly, while its mortality rate has decreased steadily. To optimize the distribution of public medical resources, it is essential to analyze the contemporary epidemiology of PCa.
National population data from the National Health Insurance Statistical Yearbook and the annual report of national cancer registration and statistics in Korea were assessed. From the data, the incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates of PCa were calculated. The data were presented with reference to other types of cancers occurring in various countries from different continents.
From 2007 to 2013, PCa incidence doubled (from 5,516 per year to 10,855 per year), while its prevalence in Korean men tripled (from 18,830 to 51,411) during the same period. The mortality rate increased slightly, from 4. 2 in 2000 to 5. 9 in 2007 and 6. 0 in 2013 (per 100,000, age adjusted). PCa incidence increased significantly faster in men aged < 70 years than in the older age group.
PCa prevalence in South Korea has increased significantly, mainly due to the rise in its incidence. As the country is facing major changes, including westernization of dietary habits and rapid population aging, its prevalence would continue to increase in near future.
Prostate international. 2015 Jul 17 [Epub]
Hyun Ho Han, Jae Won Park, Joon Chae Na, Byung Ha Chung, Choung-Soo Kim, Woo Jin Ko
Department of Urology, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Goyang, South Korea. , Department of Urology, Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea. , Department of Urology, Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea. , Department of Urology, Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea. , Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. , Department of Urology, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Goyang, South Korea.