Well Being

  Every year, over 2.2 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer globally. Are you taking steps to protect yourself and your family? Why Early Detection Matters Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million deaths annually (WHO, 2024). What makes it particularly dangerous is its silent progression—early-stage lung cancer rarely shows symptoms, which leads to late diagnoses and limited treatment options. According to the National Cancer Center Korea (2023), early-stage lung cancer has a 5-year survival rate of up to 68%, compared to only 6% in late stages. This stark contrast underscores the importance of regular screening, especially for high-risk groups such as long-term smokers or those exposed to environmental toxins. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is currently the most effective tool for early lung cancer detection. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2021) recommends annual LDCT screening for adults aged 50–80 year...

  Every year, over 900,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer globally. Are you aware of your risk? Why Early Detection of Liver Cancer Matters Liver cancer often develops silently. By the time symptoms appear—such as weight loss, jaundice, or abdominal pain—the disease may have progressed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. However, when detected early, treatment options expand, and survival rates significantly improve. In Korea, the 5-year survival rate for liver cancer detected at an early stage is over 50%, but it drops below 15% for late-stage diagnoses (National Cancer Center Korea, 2023). Early detection begins with awareness. People with hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, or heavy alcohol consumption history should receive regular screening. Ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood tests every 6 months are currently recommended for high-risk individuals. These tests are rela...

  Every year, over 377,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer worldwide. Could it be silently developing in you? Knowing the risks and taking action early can make a critical difference. Why Early Detection Matters Oral cancer often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the 5-year survival rate exceeds 80% when oral cancer is detected early, but drops below 50% in later stages. Unfortunately, more than half of oral cancer cases are diagnosed late. Early signs are subtle—persistent mouth sores, lumps, or difficulty swallowing. These may be mistaken for minor issues, but if they persist beyond two weeks, they should be examined by a dental or medical professional. The National Cancer Institute recommends that people over 40—especially smokers, heavy drinkers, or those with a history of HPV infection—undergo regular oral screenings. These are quick, painless checks that can be done during routine dental visits. Key Symp...

  Every year, over 1 million people are diagnosed with stomach cancer. Could it be silently growing in you too? Why Early Detection of Stomach Cancer Matters Stomach cancer often develops quietly, showing few or vague symptoms in its early stages. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. In South Korea, where stomach cancer rates are among the highest, routine screening programs have led to significantly improved survival rates. Early detection not only increases treatment options but also improves the five-year survival rate by over 90% if caught early. Unfortunately, many people dismiss early symptoms like indigestion or fatigue, mistaking them for minor digestive issues. The key is vigilance and periodic screening, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of gastrointestinal cancers. Recognizing the Symptoms Before It’s Too Late Stomach cancer rarely shows clear sig...

  Over 1.3 million people are diagnosed with blood cancer each year. Would you recognize the early symptoms in yourself or a loved one? What Is Blood Cancer and Who’s at Risk? Blood cancer, or hematologic cancer, affects the production and function of blood cells. The three main types are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Unlike solid tumors, blood cancers start in the bone marrow or lymphatic system and often spread throughout the body early on. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), leukemia alone caused over 300,000 deaths worldwide in 2023. Risk factors include age, genetic predisposition, previous cancer treatment, autoimmune diseases, and long-term exposure to chemicals like benzene. Some forms of blood cancer, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, are more common in older adults, while acute lymphoblastic leukemia often affects children. While we can’t control genetics or age, being informed about blood cancer symptoms and risk factors empowers early...