When there is a cancer patient in the family, the family also suffers. There are many things to worry about, such as caregiving, treatment costs, and medication expenses. If cancer is discovered late, it can be very costly. Nowadays, new drugs have emerged, allowing even stage 4 patients to expect treatment effects. If cancer had been detected early, the financial burden would have been less. As one reaches middle age, it is important to take care of one's own body. In addition to self-examinations, one must also change bad lifestyle habits such as poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Although the survival rate of cancer patients has increased compared to the past, cancer is still cancer. Once it occurs, there is also a risk of recurrence. Preventing cancer from the start is crucial.
Half of Cancer Patients are in Their 50s and 60s
Nearly half of cancer patients in South Korea are in their 50s and 60s. Long-term lifestyle habits, aging, and genetics contribute to the formation of cancer cells. After raising their children, they are now at an age where they should be resting but are suffering from cancer. Due to harsh chemotherapy, they lose all their hair and feel nauseous at the sight of food. They sometimes lash out at their spouses who encourage them to eat. Cancer patients need to eat well to endure the physically demanding chemotherapy. During the difficult process of chemotherapy, both physical and mental health can deteriorate. This can lead to depression in spouses and children as well. The atmosphere at home can become chaotic.
Why Should Cancer Patients Eat Meat? ... Cancer Prevention Diets and Patient Diets are Different
There are still people who confuse cancer prevention diets, which are vegetable and fruit-based, with diets for cancer patients. They primarily consume low-calorie vegetables and fruits even after being diagnosed with cancer. For patients, boosting physical strength is important. If they only eat vegetables and fruits, they cannot generate the energy their bodies need. They must consume enough protein from lean meats, fish, and eggs to maintain muscle. Carbohydrates (rice, bread, potatoes, etc.) should also be consumed in appropriate amounts as they are good for replenishing energy. If they can move around to some extent, they should stimulate their muscles by walking in the hospital corridors. Muscle loss can be more dangerous than cancer itself for cancer patients. This is because cachexia can lead to a rapid decline in immunity and reduced treatment effectiveness.
Lifetime Probability of Developing Cancer... 44.6% for Men, 38.2% for Women
According to the national cancer registration statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Central Cancer Registry (National Cancer Center) on the 20th of last month, the number of newly diagnosed cancer patients in South Korea in 2023 is 288,613. There are 151,126 men and 137,487 women. This is a 2.8-fold increase compared to 100,854 patients when cancer statistics were first compiled in 1999. After surpassing 200,000 in 2020, it is expected that the number of cancer patients will soon reach 300,000 per year. The lifetime probability of developing cancer for South Korean citizens is estimated to be 44.6% for men and 38.2% for women. The most common cancers in men are prostate cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid cancer in that order. For women, the order is breast cancer, thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Women in Their 40s, 50s, and 60s Have the Most Breast Cancer, While Lung Cancer is Most Common in Their 70s
The most common cancer overall in 2023 is leukemia for ages 0-9, thyroid cancer for teenagers and those in their 20s and 30s, breast cancer for those in their 50s, and lung cancer for those in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. By gender, for men, leukemia is most common for ages 0-9 and teenagers, thyroid cancer for those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, colorectal cancer for those in their 50s, prostate cancer for those in their 60s and 70s, and lung cancer for those over 80. For women, leukemia is most common for ages 0-9, thyroid cancer for teenagers and those in their 20s and 30s, breast cancer for those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, lung cancer for those in their 70s, and colorectal cancer for those over 80. In 2023, the number of newly diagnosed cancer patients aged 65 and older is 145,452 (90,062 men and 55,390 women), accounting for 50.4% of all cancer patients.
Breast Cancer is the Most Common Cancer Among Women... What are the Causes?
In 2023, there were 29,871 new breast cancer patients among both men and women. It ranks fourth, accounting for 10.3% of all cancer cases. Among women's cancers, it is the most common. The age group with the highest number of female breast cancer patients is the 50s at 29.2%, followed by the 40s at 28.9% and the 60s at 22.1%. The causes of breast cancer are largely influenced by genetics and hormones, but there is an increasing correlation with dietary habits such as high-calorie and high-fat diets, and obesity. In Europe and the United States, where such dietary habits are prevalent, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women. Early menstruation and late menopause, which result in longer ovulation periods, also increase the risk. Long-term hormone therapy after menopause, not breastfeeding, or having a late first childbirth should also be considered. The influence of genetics is significant, as one can share genes with cancers such as endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer.
2.73 Million People Have Experienced Cancer... Prevention is Most Important, Early Detection is Key
In South Korea, the survival rate for cancer has steadily improved due to early screening and treatment outcomes. The number of people who have experienced cancer (cancer survivors) has reached 2.73 million. Even as one ages, it is important to maintain cancer prevention habits. The number of cancer patients over 80 is also continuously increasing. To prevent and manage cancer, quitting smoking is essential, and diet and exercise are important. Genetics account for 5-10% of cancer cases. If parents or grandparents have experienced cancer, one should be cautious as well. Do not skip cancer screenings out of inconvenience; they should be done on time. Early detection of cancer leads to higher treatment effectiveness. If discovered late, it can cost a tremendous amount of money. If I get cancer, the whole family may suffer.
