Cancer among younger generations has been rising rapidly. According to the National Cancer Registry Statistics (as of 2022), there are about 19,000 cancer patients ages 20 to 39 in a year. In response, a venue was prepared to boost survival rates for young cancer patients and support life after treatment.
Asan Medical Center Cancer Hospital said on the 1st that it hosted the "Young Cancer Symposium" at the Education and Research Center of Asan Medical Center. Held under the theme "Multidisciplinary care for young cancer patients—healing and communication, personalized treatment, and empowerment," it drew more than 200 attendees, including medical staff.
The event focused on the characteristics and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and uterine and ovarian cancers, which are representative diseases among young cancer patients. According to the National Cancer Information Center, among those ages 15 to 34, colorectal cancer ranked first in incidence and breast cancer second. In particular, among women, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer also had high shares.
In the first session of the symposium, Breast Surgery Professor Kim Hee-jung presented the clinical features of young breast cancer patients, and Oncology Professor Kim Jong-un noted that the incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer in Korea is among the highest in the world, giving a lecture on "Early onset of colorectal cancer in young patients." Obstetrics and Gynecology Professor Kim Joo-hyun warned that "while cervical cancer is on the decline, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer are steadily increasing."
The second session continued with discussions to support patients' lives after cancer treatment. Obstetrics and Gynecology Professor Kim Joo-hee addressed fertility preservation and the safety of pregnancy, and Psychiatry Professor Jeong Seok-hun discussed mental health issues among young cancer survivors. Family Medicine Professor Jo Yu-seon pointed to the importance of managing long-term complications and lifestyle habits. Deputy Director Kang Ye-na of the Ministry of Health and Welfare presented plans to expand state-level support for fertility preservation, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Advanced Practice Nurse Yu Seon-young gave a presentation on sexual health issues such as reduced sexual function and psychological withdrawal.
Kim Hee-jung, chief professor of the Cancer Education and Information Center at Asan Medical Center and a professor of breast surgery, said, "There needs to be a move to take a multidisciplinary approach to the many life issues—school, returning to work, marriage, pregnancy—so that young cancer patients can recover 'how to live as themselves' beyond treatment," adding, "This symposium was a meaningful time to build consensus among medical staff and explore improvements so that young cancer patients can receive somewhat better treatment and enjoy life after treatment."
Meanwhile, Asan Medical Center launched the "MY HOPE" exercise crew to help young cancer survivors return to a healthy daily life. It is the nation's first integrated support program for young cancer survivors involving experts in medicine, psychology, society, exercise, and nutrition, and it held a founding ceremony on the 1st to begin a six-month journey.
A breast cancer patient in her 40s, a person surnamed Kim, said, "While I was feeling lethargic after treatment, I rediscovered the joy of exercise through the MY HOPE crew," adding, "I regained the confidence that I can do it together." A uterine sarcoma patient in her 30s, a person surnamed Jo, said, "With regular exercise, I have regained my strength and plan to attempt climbing Hallasan next year."
Song Si-yeol, head of the Asan Medical Center Cancer Hospital and a professor of radiation oncology, said, "The MY HOPE program is a new leap that embodies the commitment of the Asan Medical Center Cancer Hospital to more systematically support young cancer survivors' 'life after treatment,'" adding, "In addition to providing the best treatment, Asan Medical Center will work together so that young cancer patients who have completed treatment can regain daily life, considering even 'return and recovery of life.'"