1.Population attributable fraction as a key measure of primary cancer prevention strategy
Sohee PARK ; Yoon-Jung CHOI ; Sue Kyung PARK ; Hong Gwan SEO
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(2):82-86
A fundamental objective of public health is to identify the causes of diseases and associated risk factors to develop effective prevention strategies. In this regard, the population attributable fraction (PAF) has become a key epidemiological measure for quantifying the proportion of disease incidence in a population attributable to specific risk factors.Current Concepts: The concept of PAF is widely applied in epidemiological and public health research, playing a crucial role in prioritizing disease prevention and management strategies. Estimating the PAF of cancer risk factors based on national data provides essential evidence for the formulation of government-led cancer control policies and prevention strategies. In particular, these estimates serve as critical indicators for evaluating cancer control programs and informing policy decisions. Given the variations in risk factor prevalence across different populations, it is crucial to estimate PAF using country-specific data to ensure the development of tailored and effective public health interventions.Discussion and Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of PAF as a foundational tool for evidencebased policymaking and highlights the need for periodic reassessment to enhance the effectiveness of cancer prevention and control efforts.
2.Population attributable fraction as a key measure of primary cancer prevention strategy
Sohee PARK ; Yoon-Jung CHOI ; Sue Kyung PARK ; Hong Gwan SEO
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(2):82-86
A fundamental objective of public health is to identify the causes of diseases and associated risk factors to develop effective prevention strategies. In this regard, the population attributable fraction (PAF) has become a key epidemiological measure for quantifying the proportion of disease incidence in a population attributable to specific risk factors.Current Concepts: The concept of PAF is widely applied in epidemiological and public health research, playing a crucial role in prioritizing disease prevention and management strategies. Estimating the PAF of cancer risk factors based on national data provides essential evidence for the formulation of government-led cancer control policies and prevention strategies. In particular, these estimates serve as critical indicators for evaluating cancer control programs and informing policy decisions. Given the variations in risk factor prevalence across different populations, it is crucial to estimate PAF using country-specific data to ensure the development of tailored and effective public health interventions.Discussion and Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of PAF as a foundational tool for evidencebased policymaking and highlights the need for periodic reassessment to enhance the effectiveness of cancer prevention and control efforts.
3.Population attributable fraction as a key measure of primary cancer prevention strategy
Sohee PARK ; Yoon-Jung CHOI ; Sue Kyung PARK ; Hong Gwan SEO
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(2):82-86
A fundamental objective of public health is to identify the causes of diseases and associated risk factors to develop effective prevention strategies. In this regard, the population attributable fraction (PAF) has become a key epidemiological measure for quantifying the proportion of disease incidence in a population attributable to specific risk factors.Current Concepts: The concept of PAF is widely applied in epidemiological and public health research, playing a crucial role in prioritizing disease prevention and management strategies. Estimating the PAF of cancer risk factors based on national data provides essential evidence for the formulation of government-led cancer control policies and prevention strategies. In particular, these estimates serve as critical indicators for evaluating cancer control programs and informing policy decisions. Given the variations in risk factor prevalence across different populations, it is crucial to estimate PAF using country-specific data to ensure the development of tailored and effective public health interventions.Discussion and Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of PAF as a foundational tool for evidencebased policymaking and highlights the need for periodic reassessment to enhance the effectiveness of cancer prevention and control efforts.
4.Executive Summary of 2023 International Conference of the Korean Dementia Association (IC-KDA 2023): A Report From the Academic Committee of the Korean Dementia Association
Geon Ha KIM ; Jaeho KIM ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Yun Kyung KIM ; Kun Ho LEE ; Jae-Won JANG ; Jae Gwan KIM ; Hui Jin RYU ; Soh-Jeong YANG ; Hyemin JANG ; Na-Yeon JUNG ; Ko Woon KIM ; Yong JEONG ; So Young MOON ;
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2024;23(2):75-88
The Korean Dementia Association (KDA) has been organizing biennial international academic conferences since 2019, with the International Conference of the KDA (IC-KDA) 2023 held in Busan under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Advancing Global Dementia Solutions.’ The conference comprised 6 scientific sessions, 3 plenary lectures, and 4luncheon symposiums, drawing 804 participants from 35 countries. Notably, a Korea– Taiwan Joint Symposium addressed insights into Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Plenary lectures by renowned scholars explored topics such as microbiome-related AD pathogenesis, social cognition in neurodegenerative diseases, and genetic frontotemporal dementia (FTD). On the first day, specific presentations covered subjects like the gut–brain axis and neuroinflammation in dementia, blood-based biomarkers in AD, and updates in AD therapeutics. The second day’s presentations addressed recent issues in clinical neuropsychology, FTD cohort studies, and the pathogenesis of non-AD dementia. The Academic Committee of the KDA compiles lecture summaries to provide comprehensive understanding of the advanced dementia knowledge presented at IC-KDA 2023.
5.Empowering Healthcare through Comprehensive Informatics Education: The Status and Future of Biomedical and Health Informatics Education
Kye Hwa LEE ; Myung-Gwan KIM ; Jae-Ho LEE ; Jisan LEE ; Insook CHO ; Mona CHOI ; Hyun Wook HAN ; Myonghwa PARK
Healthcare Informatics Research 2024;30(2):113-126
Objectives:
Education in biomedical and health informatics is essential for managing complex healthcare systems, bridging the gap between healthcare and information technology, and adapting to the digital requirements of the healthcare industry. This review presents the current status of biomedical and health informatics education domestically and internationally and proposes recommendations for future development.
Methods:
We analyzed evidence from reports and papers to explore global trends and international and domestic examples of education. The challenges and future strategies in Korea were also discussed based on the experts’ opinions.
Results:
This review presents international recommendations for establishing education in biomedical and health informatics, as well as global examples at the undergraduate and graduate levels in medical and nursing education. It provides a thorough examination of the best practices, strategies, and competencies in informatics education. The review also assesses the current state of medical informatics and nursing informatics education in Korea. We highlight the challenges faced by academic institutions and conclude with a call to action for educators to enhance the preparation of professionals to effectively utilize technology in any healthcare setting.
Conclusions
To adapt to the digitalization of healthcare, systematic and continuous workforce development is essential. Future education should prioritize curriculum innovations and the establishment of integrated education programs, focusing not only on students but also on educators and all healthcare personnel in the field. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among educational institutions, academic societies, government agencies, and international bodies dedicated to systematic and continuous workforce development.
6.Comparison of Population Attributable Fractions of Cancer Incidence and Mortality Linked to Excess Body Weight in Korea from 2015 to 2030
Youjin HONG ; Jihye AN ; Jeehi JUNG ; Hyeon Sook LEE ; Soseul SUNG ; Sungji MOON ; Inah KIM ; Jung Eun LEE ; Aesun SHIN ; Sun Ha JEE ; Sun-Seog KWEON ; Min-Ho SHIN ; Sangmin PARK ; Seung-Ho RYU ; Sun Young YANG ; Seung Ho CHOI ; Jeongseon KIM ; Sang-Wook YI ; Yoon-Jung CHOI ; Sangjun LEE ; Woojin LIM ; Kyungsik KIM ; Sohee PARK ; Jeong-Soo IM ; Hong Gwan SEO ; Kwang-Pil KO ; Sue K. PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(6):921-931
Background:
The increasing rate of excess body weight (EBW) in the global population has led to growing health concerns, including cancer-related EBW. We aimed to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancer incidence and deaths linked to EBW in Korean individuals from 2015 to 2030 and to compare its value with various body mass index cutoffs.
Methods:
Levin’s formula was used to calculate the PAF; the prevalence rates were computed using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, while the relative risks of specific cancers related to EBW were estimated based on the results of Korean cohort studies. To account for the 15-year latency period when estimating the PAF in 2020, the prevalence rates from 2015 and attributable cases or deaths from 2020 were used.
Results:
The PAF attributed to EBW was similar for both cancer incidence and deaths using either the World Health Organization (WHO) Asian-Pacific region standard or a modified Asian standard, with the WHO standard yielding the lowest values. In the Korean population, the PAFs of EBW for cancer incidence were 2.96% in men and 3.61% in women, while those for cancer deaths were 0.67% in men and 3.06% in women in 2020. Additionally, PAFs showed a gradual increase in both sexes until 2030.
Conclusion
The EBW continues to have a significant impact on cancer incidence and deaths in Korea. Effective prevention strategies targeting the reduction of this modifiable risk factor can substantially decrease the cancer burden.
7.Major clinical research advances in gynecologic cancer in 2023:a tumultuous year for endometrial cancer
Seung-Hyuk SHIM ; Jung-Yun LEE ; Yoo-Young LEE ; Jeong-Yeol PARK ; Yong Jae LEE ; Se Ik KIM ; Gwan Hee HAN ; Eun Jung YANG ; Joseph J NOH ; Ga Won YIM ; Joo-Hyuk SON ; Nam Kyeong KIM ; Tae-Hyun KIM ; Tae-Wook KONG ; Youn Jin CHOI ; Angela CHO ; Hyunji LIM ; Eun Bi JANG ; Hyun Woong CHO ; Dong Hoon SUH
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(2):e66-
In the 2023 series, we summarized the major clinical research advances in gynecologic oncology based on communications at the conference of Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review Course. The review consisted of 1) Endometrial cancer: immune checkpoint inhibitor, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), selective inhibitor of nuclear export, CDK4/6 inhibitors WEE1 inhibitor, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. 2) Cervical cancer: surgery in low-risk early-stage cervical cancer, therapy for locally advanced stage and advanced, metastatic, or recurrent setting; and 3) Ovarian cancer: immunotherapy, triplet therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors along with antiangiogenic agents and PARP inhibitors, and ADCs. In 2023, the field of endometrial cancer treatment witnessed a landmark year, marked by several practice-changing outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the reliable efficacy of PARP inhibitors and ADCs.
8.Temporomandibular Joint Segmentation Using Deep Learning for Automated Three-Dimensional Reconstruction
Young-Tae CHOI ; Ho-Jun SONG ; Jae-Seo LEE ; Yeong-Gwan IM
Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain 2024;49(4):109-117
Purpose:
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely used to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). For the three-dimensional (3D) assessment of the TMJ, segmentation of the mandibular condyle and articular fossa is essential. This study aimed to perform deep learning-based 3D segmentation of the mandibular condyle on CBCT images and evaluate the performance of the segmentation.
Methods:
CBCT scan data from 99 patients (mean age: 53.3±19.2 years) diagnosed with TMJ disorders were analyzed. From the CBCT images, sagittal, coronal, and axial planes showing the mandibular condyle were selected and combined to form two-dimensional (2D) images. The U-Net deep learning model was used to exclusively segment the mandibular condyle area from the 2D images. From these results, 3D images of the mandibular condyle were reconstructed. Accuracy, precision, recall, and the Dice coefficient were calculated to appraise segmentation performance in each plane.
Results:
The average Dice coefficient was 0.92 for the coronal and axial planes and 0.82 for the sagittal plane. The CBCT image-based segmentation performance of the mandibular condyle in the coronal and axial planes exceeded that in the sagittal plane. The sharpness and uniformity of the 2D images affected segmentation performance, with segmentation errors more likely occurring in non-uniform images. Certain segmentation errors were corrected through software processing. Finally, the segmented mandibular condyle images were applied to the CBCT data to reconstruct a 3D TMJ model.
Conclusions
Mandibular condyle 3D segmentation on CBCT images using U-Net may help evaluate and diagnose TMJ disorders. The proposed segmentation method may assist clinicians in efficiently analyzing CBCT images, particularly in cases involving anatomical abnormalities.
9.Comparison of Population Attributable Fractions of Cancer Incidence and Mortality Linked to Excess Body Weight in Korea from 2015 to 2030
Youjin HONG ; Jihye AN ; Jeehi JUNG ; Hyeon Sook LEE ; Soseul SUNG ; Sungji MOON ; Inah KIM ; Jung Eun LEE ; Aesun SHIN ; Sun Ha JEE ; Sun-Seog KWEON ; Min-Ho SHIN ; Sangmin PARK ; Seung-Ho RYU ; Sun Young YANG ; Seung Ho CHOI ; Jeongseon KIM ; Sang-Wook YI ; Yoon-Jung CHOI ; Sangjun LEE ; Woojin LIM ; Kyungsik KIM ; Sohee PARK ; Jeong-Soo IM ; Hong Gwan SEO ; Kwang-Pil KO ; Sue K. PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(6):921-931
Background:
The increasing rate of excess body weight (EBW) in the global population has led to growing health concerns, including cancer-related EBW. We aimed to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancer incidence and deaths linked to EBW in Korean individuals from 2015 to 2030 and to compare its value with various body mass index cutoffs.
Methods:
Levin’s formula was used to calculate the PAF; the prevalence rates were computed using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, while the relative risks of specific cancers related to EBW were estimated based on the results of Korean cohort studies. To account for the 15-year latency period when estimating the PAF in 2020, the prevalence rates from 2015 and attributable cases or deaths from 2020 were used.
Results:
The PAF attributed to EBW was similar for both cancer incidence and deaths using either the World Health Organization (WHO) Asian-Pacific region standard or a modified Asian standard, with the WHO standard yielding the lowest values. In the Korean population, the PAFs of EBW for cancer incidence were 2.96% in men and 3.61% in women, while those for cancer deaths were 0.67% in men and 3.06% in women in 2020. Additionally, PAFs showed a gradual increase in both sexes until 2030.
Conclusion
The EBW continues to have a significant impact on cancer incidence and deaths in Korea. Effective prevention strategies targeting the reduction of this modifiable risk factor can substantially decrease the cancer burden.
10.Comparison of Population Attributable Fractions of Cancer Incidence and Mortality Linked to Excess Body Weight in Korea from 2015 to 2030
Youjin HONG ; Jihye AN ; Jeehi JUNG ; Hyeon Sook LEE ; Soseul SUNG ; Sungji MOON ; Inah KIM ; Jung Eun LEE ; Aesun SHIN ; Sun Ha JEE ; Sun-Seog KWEON ; Min-Ho SHIN ; Sangmin PARK ; Seung-Ho RYU ; Sun Young YANG ; Seung Ho CHOI ; Jeongseon KIM ; Sang-Wook YI ; Yoon-Jung CHOI ; Sangjun LEE ; Woojin LIM ; Kyungsik KIM ; Sohee PARK ; Jeong-Soo IM ; Hong Gwan SEO ; Kwang-Pil KO ; Sue K. PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(6):921-931
Background:
The increasing rate of excess body weight (EBW) in the global population has led to growing health concerns, including cancer-related EBW. We aimed to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancer incidence and deaths linked to EBW in Korean individuals from 2015 to 2030 and to compare its value with various body mass index cutoffs.
Methods:
Levin’s formula was used to calculate the PAF; the prevalence rates were computed using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, while the relative risks of specific cancers related to EBW were estimated based on the results of Korean cohort studies. To account for the 15-year latency period when estimating the PAF in 2020, the prevalence rates from 2015 and attributable cases or deaths from 2020 were used.
Results:
The PAF attributed to EBW was similar for both cancer incidence and deaths using either the World Health Organization (WHO) Asian-Pacific region standard or a modified Asian standard, with the WHO standard yielding the lowest values. In the Korean population, the PAFs of EBW for cancer incidence were 2.96% in men and 3.61% in women, while those for cancer deaths were 0.67% in men and 3.06% in women in 2020. Additionally, PAFs showed a gradual increase in both sexes until 2030.
Conclusion
The EBW continues to have a significant impact on cancer incidence and deaths in Korea. Effective prevention strategies targeting the reduction of this modifiable risk factor can substantially decrease the cancer burden.

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