Epidemiology and Health

Special Article

Cancer risk based on alcohol consumption levels: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis: Seunghee Jun, Hyunjin Park, Ui-Jeong Kim, Eun Jeong Choi, Hye Ah Lee, Bomi Park, Soon Young Lee, Sun Ha Jee, Hyesook Park; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023092. Published online October 16, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023092

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for cancer. Despite extensive research into the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, the effect of light alcohol consumption on cancer risk remains a topic of debate. To contribute to this discourse, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Our systematic review aimed to investigate the associations between different levels of alcohol consumption and the risk of several cancer types. We focused on analyzing prospective associations using data from 139 cohort studies. Among them, 106 studies were included in the meta-analysis after a quantitative synthesis.

RESULTS

Our analysis did not find a significant association between light alcohol consumption and all-cause cancer risk (relative risk, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.99 to 1.04), but we observed a dose-response relationship. Light alcohol consumption was significantly associated with higher risks of esophageal, colorectal, and breast cancers. Light to moderate drinking was associated with elevated risks of esophageal, colorectal, laryngeal, and breast cancers. Heavy drinking was also found to contribute to the risk of stomach, liver, pancreas, and prostate cancers, thereby increasing the risk of almost all types of cancer. Additionally, females generally had lower cancer risks compared to males.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that cancer risks extend beyond heavy alcohol consumption to include light alcohol consumption as well. These findings suggest that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption associated with cancer risk. Our results underscore the importance of public health interventions addressing alcohol consumption to mitigate cancer risks.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 코호트 연구를 기반으로 하여 음주의 수준에 따른 암 위험 연관성에 대해 체계적 문헌고찰(139편)과 메타분석(106편)을 수행하였다. 연구 결과, 음주와 암 위험 사이에 용량-반응 관계가 나타났으며, 소량의 음주는 암 유형에 따라 차이가 있었으나, 식도암, 대장암, 전립선암(남성), 유방암(여성)에서 암 위험과의 연관성이 있음을 발견했다. 따라서, 암 위험 측면에서 음주에 안전한 수준이 없음을 시사하며, 음주와 관련된 잠재적 피해를 완화하기 위해서는 음주 지침 강화와 같은 공중보건개입이 필요하다.

Key Message
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between different levels of alcohol consumption and the risk of various cancer types through a systematic review and meta-analysis, providing insights into the ongoing debate about alcohol consumption and cancer causality. The findings support a dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption levels and cancer risk and the light alcohol consumption was associated with risks of esophageal, colorectal, prostate (male), and breast (female) cancer. These results emphasize the absence of a safe threshold for alcohol consumption in terms of cancer risk.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Exploring genetic associations of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis with extraintestinal cancers in European and East Asian populations
Chengdong Yu, Jiawei Xu, Siyi Xu, Lei Tang, Qinyuan Han, Xiaoqiang Zeng, Yanxiao Huang, Tenghua Yu, Zhengkui Sun
Frontiers in Immunology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Article

Parental intention to vaccinate daughters with the human papillomavirus vaccine in Korea: a nationwide cross-sectional survey: Yejin Ha, Kyeongmin Lee, Bomi Park, Mina Suh, Jae Kwan Jun, Kui Son Choi; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023076. Published online August 17, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023076

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Abstract Summary PDF: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to identify and compare the characteristics and factors associated with parental intention to vaccinate daughters under 12 years old against human papillomavirus (HPV), examining data from 2016 and 2020.
METHODS
Data were obtained from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey conducted in 2016 and 2020. The present study included 3,510 parents with daughters under 12 years old. Changes in parental intention-to-vaccinate rates were calculated. To identify factors associated with parental intention to vaccinate their daughters, the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used.
RESULTS
The percentage of respondents intending to vaccinate their daughters increased from 33.4% in 2016 to 58.9% in 2020, constituting a 25.5 percentage point (%p) increase. Since 2016, the proportion of men expressing positive intention towards HPV vaccination increased by 31.5%p, while that of women demonstrated a 20.9%p increase. Logistic regression analysis indicated that parents with a strong intention to vaccinate their daughters tended to be younger, more educated, and aware of the free vaccination program available, as well as to have a history of HPV vaccination and to have undergone cervical cancer screening within 2 years, compared to those who did not intend to vaccinate. Being a mother with a history of HPV vaccination was the strongest predictor of positive intention to vaccinate a daughter.
CONCLUSIONS
The intention among parents to vaccinate daughters remains relatively low, although it is rising. To increase the HPV vaccination rate, strong recommendations and education should be provided to parents and the younger generation.; Summary

Korean summary
한국정부는 2016년부터 HPV 백신을 국가예방접종사업으로 도입하여 만 12세 여아를 대상으로 무료접종을 실시하고 있다. 12세 여아가 접종대상인만큼 부모의 HPV 백신에 대한 인식과 태도가 실제 예방접종에 중요한 영향을 미친다. 이 연구를 통해 2016년과 2020년을 비교했을 때 딸의 백신접종에 대한 의향이 증가하였음을 알 수 있었고, 특히 HPV 백신접종 경험이 있는 경우 딸의 백신접종에 대한 의향이 유의하게 높음을 확인하였다.

Key Message
In Korea, HPV vaccination was included in the national immunization program in 2016 for 12-year-old girls. The decision to undergo the HPV vaccination is closely associated with their parents’ perceptions of and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine. This study identified that parental intention increased from 2016 to 2020, and maternal history of HPV vaccination was the strongest predictor of positive intention to vaccinate a daughter.

COVID-19: Special Article

Changes in mental health of Korean adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a special report using the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Bomi Park, Jihee Kim, Jieun Yang, Sunhye Choi, Kyungwon Oh; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023019. Published online February 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023019

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to study the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on adolescents’ mental health in Korea.

METHODS

We used data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2018-2021 with 227,139 students aged 12-18 years. We estimated the differences in depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and stress perception before (2018-2019) and during (2020-2021) the pandemic, as well as before (2019), the first year (2020) of, and the second year (2021) of the pandemic. We also examined whether COVID-19 is statistically associated with mental health.

RESULTS

In both male and female adolescents, the prevalence of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and stress perception was higher in the “not living with family,” “low household economic status,” and “self-rated unhealthy status” subgroups. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and stress perception was higher in middle school students. Adolescents were less likely to experience depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83 to 0.89), suicidal ideation (aOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.83), and stress perception (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.79) in 2020 than in 2019. However, there were more depressive symptoms (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.09), suicidal ideation (aOR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.21), and stress perception (aOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.23) in 2021 than in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic had positive impacts on mental health of adolescents in its early stages but has had negative impacts as the pandemic continues. Attention should be paid to adolescents who are particularly vulnerable to the mental health effects of the pandemic.

Summary

Korean summary
The results from a nationally representative data showed that mental health in adolescents was improved in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was deteriorated in the second year of the pandemic compared to the first year.

Key Message
본 연구에서는 대규모 건강조사를 이용하여 코로나19가 장기화됨에 따른 영향을 평가하고자 하였다. 2018년-2021년 청소년건강행태조사에 참여한 만 12-18세 청소년 227,139 명을 대상으로 분석한 결과, 코로나19 유행 첫번째 해(2020년)에는 코로나19 유행 이전에 비해 정신건강이 개선되었으나, 코로나19 유행 두 번째 해(2021년)에는 코로나19 유행 첫 번째 해에 비해 청소년 정신건강이 나빠졌다. 또한 가족과 함께 거주하지 않는 경우, 가정 경제 수준이 낮은 경우, 본인이 건강하지 않다고 인지하는 경우에 더 취약하였다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Excess mortality during the Coronavirus disease pandemic in Korea
Changwoo Han, Hoyeon Jang, Juhwan Oh
BMC Public Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
A Comparison of Changes in Health Behavior, Obesity, and Mental Health of Korean Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Online Cross-Sectional Study
Mi-Sun Lee, Hooyeon Lee
Psychiatry Investigation.2023; 20(11): 1086. CrossRef

Original Articles

Trends in breast cancer screening rates among Korean women: results from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, 2005-2020: Soo Yeon Song, Yun Yeong Lee, Hye Young Shin, Bomi Park, Mina Suh, Kui Son Choi, Jae Kwan Jun; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022111. Published online November 24, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022111

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Since 2002, the Korean government has provided breast cancer screening as part of the National Cancer Screening Program. This study reported trends in the screening rate among Korean women from 2005 to 2020, including organized and opportunistic screening for breast cancer.

METHODS

Data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annual cross-sectional nationwide survey, were collected using a structured questionnaire between 2005 and 2020. The study population included 23,702 women aged 40-74 years with no history of cancer. We estimated the screening rate based on the current recommendation of biennial mammographic screening for breast cancer. In addition, a joinpoint trend analysis was performed for breast cancer screening rates among various subgroups.

RESULTS

In 2020, the breast cancer screening rate was 63.5%, reflecting an annual increase of 7.72% (95% confidence interval 5.53 to 9.95) between 2005 and 2012, followed by non-significant trends thereafter. In particular, a significant decrease in the breast cancer screening rate was observed in the subgroups aged 50-59 years old, with 12-15 years of education, and living in rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there has been substantial improvement in breast cancer screening rates in Korean women, the trend has flattened in recent years. Therefore, continual efforts are required to identify subgroups with unmet needs and solve barriers to the uptake of breast cancer screening.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 2005년에서 2020년까지 암검진수검행태조사 자료를 이용하여 40세 이상의 우리나라 여성의 유방암 검진 수검률이 추이에 대해 분석하였다. 우리나라 유방암 검진 수검률은 2020년 현재 63.5%이다. 하지만 지속적으로 증가하던 유방암 검진 수검률의 추이는 2012년 이후 정체되어 있으며 일부 사회경제적 계층에서는 감소하는 경향을 보였다.

Key Message
In Korea, despite of the high level of breast cancer screening rate, decreasing trends in some socioeconomic classes after 2012. Continual efforts are required to identify subgroup with unmet needs and barriers to the uptake of breast cancer screening.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Why is the screening rate in lung cancer still low? A seven-country analysis of the factors affecting adoption
Charlotte Poon, Tim Wilsdon, Iqra Sarwar, Alexander Roediger, Megan Yuan
Frontiers in Public Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Mammographic Breast Density and Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Korean Women
Thi Xuan Mai Tran, Soyeoun Kim, Boyoung Park
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.2023; 32(12): 1690. CrossRef

Changes in eating behaviors according to household income in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Hye Ah Lee, Ho Jung Lee, Bomi Park, Yoonhee Shin, Hyunjin Park, Hyesook Park; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022102. Published online November 9, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022102

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To assess social inequalities in changes in dietary behaviors among adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we compared changes in dietary behavior indicators by household income.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from the 2019 and 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of dietary behaviors in adolescents (12-18 years old) was estimated and changes in dietary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated. We assessed changes in dietary behaviors with a household income (as a measure of socioeconomic status, SES) disparity.

RESULTS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the average consumption of vegetables decreased and food insecurity worsened. Adolescents were more likely to skip breakfast than before COVID-19 (33.1 and 37.4%). Soft drink consumption also increased in 2020 from 2019 (7.6 and 14.8%), especially among boys. Average sugar intake and sodium intake showed a tendency to decrease only in girls, but there was no significant difference according to SES level. Skipping breakfast was particularly evident in the low-SES group, and the difference according to household income level (high vs. low) was greater during COVID-19 than before. The prevalence of soft drink consumption increased significantly in the low-SES group, but the rate of increase did not differ by SES level.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the social disparity in skipping breakfast was further aggravated during the COVID-19 pandemic. To reach a better understanding of the dietary behaviors of adolescents, continuous monitoring is necessary.

Summary

Korean summary
국민건강영양조사 자료를 활용하여, COVID-19 팬데믹 전후 청소년의 식생활 변화 및 가구소득 수준에 따른 차이를 평가하였다. 대체로, 평균 채소 섭취량은 감소하고 탄산음료 소비는 증가한 것으로 나타났으며, 아침식사 결식율도 약간 증가한 것으로 나타났다. 게다가, 가구소득 수준에 따라 평가하였을 때, 아침식사 결식율 증가는 가구소득이 높은 군에 비해 가구소득 수준이 낮은 군에서 두드러진 것으로 나타났다. COVID-19 팬데믹이 장기화됨에 따라, 청소년의 식생활 변화에 대해서는 지속적인 모니터링이 필요하다.

Key Message
Using data from the 2019 and 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, changes in dietary behaviors of adolescents (12-18 years old) during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, average consumption of vegetables decreased and consumption of soft drinks increased in 2020 from 2019 (7.6% and 14.8%). In addition, the social disparity in skipping breakfast among adolescents was further aggravated. To reach a better understanding of the dietary behaviors of adolescents, continuous monitoring is necessary.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Dietary Changes of Youth during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Nicolas Woods, Jamie A Seabrook, Holly Schaafsma, Shauna Burke, Trish Tucker, Jason Gilliland
The Journal of Nutrition.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Analysis of health behavior, mental health, and nutritional status among Korean adolescents before and after COVID-19 outbreak: based on the 2019–2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Misun Lee, Sarang Jeong, Chong-Su Kim, Yoon Jung Yang
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2023; 56(6): 667. CrossRef

Multimorbidity adjusted years lost to disability rates calculated through Monte-Carlo simulation in Korea: Yoonhee Shin, Eun Jeong Choi, Bomi Park, Hye Ah Lee, Eun-Kyung Lee, Hyesook Park; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022090. Published online October 17, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022090

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To efficiently utilize limited health and medical resources, it is necessary to accurately measure the level of health, which requires estimating the multimorbidity-corrected burden of disease.
METHODS
This study used 2015 and 2016 data from the National Health Insurance Service, and employed the list of diseases defined in a Korean study of the burden of disease, the criteria for prevalence, and the “cause–sequelae–health state” disease system. When calculating the years lost to disability (YLD), multimorbidity was corrected using Monte-Carlo simulation.
RESULTS
Correcting for multimorbidity changed YLD at all ages in Korea by -1.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], -24.1 to 3.6) in males and -12.4% (95% CI, -23.0 to 0.3) in females in 2015, and by -10.8% (95% CI, -24.1 to 4.6) in males and -11.1% (95% CI, -22.8 to 1.7) in females in 2016. The YLD rate for non-communicable diseases in males decreased more than that of other disease groups in both years, by -11.8% (95% CI, -19.5 to 3.6) and -11.5% (95% CI, -19.3 to -3.0), respectively. The overall YLD rate changed by -1.3% in the 5-year to 9-year age group, and the magnitude of this change remained similar until the 10-19-year age group, gradually decreased after 20 years of age, and steeply increased to more than 10% in those aged 60 and older.
CONCLUSIONS
Calculations of YLD should adjust for multimorbidity, as the disease burden can otherwise be overestimated for the elderly, who tend to exhibit a high prevalence of multimorbidity.; Summary

Korean summary
복합질환 유병률이 증가됨에 따라 인구의 건강수준 측정 시 복합질환을 고려하는 것은 중요하다. 이에 본 연구에서는 복합질환 유병상태를 고려한 YLD(장애로 인한 손실년수)를 산출하고, 복합질환 유병상태를 고려하지 않고 산출한 YLD값과 비교하여 질병부담 산출 시 복합질환 유병상태를 보정하는 것의 효과 크기를 추정하였다. 복합질환의 유병률이 높은 노령층에서 복합질환을 고려하지 않고 YLD를 계산 할 경우 질병부담이 과대 추정될 수 있어, 복합질환을 보정하여 YLD를 산출하는 것이 필요하다.

Key Message
For the elderly whose disease burden can be overestimated, the multimorbidity should be adjusted during YLD calculations.

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