A recent study conducted by Dr. Choi Kui-son of the National Cancer Center of Korea has shed light on the alarming prevalence of stomach cancer in South Korea. The study, published in the latest edition of Scientific Reports, reveals that a lack of exercise is the most common risk factor for the disease in the country.

According to data from the National Cancer Center of Korea, stomach cancer has been identified as the most common type of cancer in South Korea from 1999 to 2018. While the overall cancer incidence rate in the country is lower than that of the United States and the United Kingdom, the rate of stomach cancer is nearly 10 times higher.

To understand the potential reasons behind this high rate, Dr. Choi's study interviewed 3,539 adults aged 40-74 from the 2019 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey. The study examined various lifestyle risk factors associated with stomach cancer, including smoking, drinking, physical inactivity, overweight, high intake of red or processed meat, and high intake of salt.

Among the six risk categories analyzed, physical inactivity emerged as the most common risk factor, accounting for 61.5 percent of the cases. In men, smoking was identified as the second most prevalent risk factor at 52.2 percent, while high salt intake was a significant risk factor for women, affecting 28.5 percent of the cases.

Furthermore, the study found that individuals who exhibited multiple risk factors were less likely to undergo routine stomach cancer screenings, indicating a correlation between unhealthy lifestyles and lower cancer awareness. Early detection plays a crucial role in the successful treatment of stomach cancer, as individuals who receive endoscopic examination every two years are 81 percent less likely to die from the disease.

"Individuals with unhealthy lifestyles tend to overlook the importance of routine cancer screenings," emphasized Dr. Choi, the lead researcher of the study. "To combat the risk of stomach cancer, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and undergo regular checkups."

The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for South Koreans to prioritize physical activity and adopt healthier habits. By increasing awareness about the link between physical inactivity and stomach cancer, it is hoped that individuals will take proactive steps in improving their lifestyle choices and seeking regular screenings. Ultimately, prevention and early detection are key in the fight against this prevalent form of cancer in South Korea.