How Aging and Westernization Have Changed Cancer Trends: Prostate Cancer Now the Most Common Among Men

First Time Since National Cancer Statistics Began in 1999
Population Aging, Westernized Diet, and Rising Obesity Identified as Key Causes

Prostate cancer has overtaken lung cancer to become the most common cancer among men in Korea. This is the first time that prostate cancer has ranked number one in male cancer incidence since related statistics began to be compiled.

Stock photo unrelated to the article. Pixabay

The Korean Society of Urological Oncology held a press conference at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on June 16 and announced the findings in the "2026 Prostate Cancer Fact Sheet." According to the report, as of 2023, prostate cancer surpassed lung cancer and stomach cancer as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Korean men. When national cancer statistics were first compiled in 1999, prostate cancer was only the ninth most common cancer among men, but its incidence has continued to rise, making it the leading cancer today.

Experts cite population aging as a key factor driving the increase in prostate cancer cases. Prostate cancer is a representative geriatric cancer, with the risk rising significantly with age. As Korea has entered a super-aged society, the number of men in their 60s and 70s has grown, leading to a steep increase in patient numbers.

Prostate cancer has become the leading cancer among men. Korean Society of Urologic Oncology

Changes in lifestyle habits have also been identified as a cause. Numerous studies have consistently reported that a Westernized diet, including increased consumption of meat and high-fat foods, and a rise in obesity rates are associated with the growing incidence of prostate cancer. Additionally, the expansion of health screenings and the widespread adoption of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing have made early diagnosis easier than in the past, contributing to the rise in patient numbers.

However, the increase in patients does not mean that only early-stage cancers are being detected. According to studies from various domestic institutions, high-risk groups still account for more than half of prostate cancer patients. Experts stress that early detection through regular checkups is especially important for older men.

The upward trend in prostate cancer incidence is expected to continue for the time being. Recent research forecasting domestic cancer incidence predicts that prostate cancer will remain the most common cancer among men in Korea in 2026. Researchers project that, as population aging persists, the number of prostate cancer patients is likely to keep increasing over the coming years.

Experts advise that, since prostate cancer has favorable treatment outcomes when detected early, men over the age of 50 and those in high-risk groups with a family history should pay attention to regular checkups and lifestyle management.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.