Cancer incidence attributable to dietary factors in Korea
10.5124/jkma.2025.68.2.108
- Author:
Ji Hyun KIM
1
;
Minhee CHO
;
Jung Eun LEE
;
Jeongseon KIM
Author Information
1. National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
- Publication Type:Focused Issue of This Month
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2025;68(2):108-120
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The population attributable fraction (PAF) indicates the proportion of disease cases in a given population that can be attributed to a specific factor, assuming a causal relationship. In other words, it quantifies the extent to which that factor contributes to disease occurrence. PAF calculation methods have been applied to studies factors and several, studies have reported PAFs for dietary contributors to overall or specific cancer risks. Our team has conducted several PAF studies and presents findings on the contributions of dietary factors to cancer risk in the Korean population.Current Concepts: For colorectal cancer, the PAF of dietary factors is 34.9%, with insufficient whole grain intake contributing the largest share (16.6%). For gastric cancer, dietary factors have a PAF of 18.6%, with excessive intake of salted vegetables contributing the most (16.0%). Notably, the PAFs for inadequate whole grain and milk consumption were higher than those reported in previous studies, while the PAFs for other dietary factors fell within the expected range. These findings emphasize the need to prioritize interventions that effectively reduce the diet-attributable cancer burden.Discussion and Conclusion: Country-specific PAF estimates are crucial for developing effective cancer prevention strategies tailored to the Korean population. To better apply dietary PAF estimates, future studies should (1) integrate data from existing and ongoing cohort studies to determine Korea-specific relative risks, (2) estimate dietary prevalence using assessment tools that capture long-term dietary habits, and (3) establish optimal intake levels specific to the Korean context.
