Burden of GI cancer and its control strategies in Korea.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are top priorities for cancer control in Korea. In terms of epidemiological, populationhealth and economic burden, GI cancers such as stomach, liver and colorectal cancers have been top four cancers in the nation during the past decade and this trend is likely to continue in the near future. In order to reduce the great burden of GI cancer in Korea, the nation might need the following strategies: (1) to put more focus on primary prevention on infection/diet and related research; (2) to improve screening rates for colorectal and stomach cancers, and conduct more cost-effectiveness analysis of these screening programs, e.g., Fecal Occult Blood Test vs. colonoscopy; (3) to establish a more consistent and integrative cost-effectiveness analysis system for new cancer treatments and anticancer drugs; and (4) to place more emphasis on hospice and other palliative care of GI cancer, as well as on the etiology, staging and treatment of pancreas cancer with its poor survival rate