Cancer Statistics in Korea: Incidence, Mortality, Survival, and Prevalence in 2023
10.4143/crt.2026.298
- Author:
Eun Hye PARK
;
Kyu-Won JUNG
;
Seo Hyun CHOI
;
Nam Ju PARK
;
Mee Joo KANG
;
E Hwa YUN
;
Hye-Jin KIM
;
Jeong-Eun KIM
;
Kui Son CHOI
;
Han-Kwang YANG
;
- Publication Type:Special Article
- From:Cancer Research and Treatment
2026;58(2):349-367
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The current study provides national cancer statistics and their secular trends in Korea, including incidence, mortality, survival, and prevalence in 2023, with international comparisons.
Materials and Methods:Cancer incidence, survival, and prevalence rates were calculated using the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database (1999-2023), with survival follow-up until December 31, 2024. Mortality data were obtained from the Ministry of Data and Statistics, while international comparisons were based on GLOBOCAN data.
Results:In 2023, 288,613 newly diagnosed cancer cases (age-standardized rate [ASR], 288.6 per 100,000) and 85,271 deaths from cancer (ASR, 64.3 per 100,000) were reported. Among the incident cases, 145,452 (50.4%) were aged 65 years or older. Prostate cancer became the most common cancer among men for the first time. The proportion of localized-stage cancers increased from 45.6% in 2005 to 51.8% in 2023. Korea had the lowest cancer mortality among countries with similar incidence rates and the lowest mortality-to-incidence ratios for stomach, colorectal, and breast cancer. The 5-year relative survival rate (2019-2023) was 73.7% overall and 92.7% for localized-stage cancers. Over 2.73 million prevalent cases were identified in 2023, representing 5.3% of the Korean population.
Conclusion:These findings indicate that Korea’s cancer control efforts have contributed to early detection and improved survival outcomes. As Korea enters a super-aged society in 2025, cancer burden will continue to increase, requiring sustained and adaptive cancer control strategies.
