"Treating young cancer patients must go beyond the goal of simple survival to consider returning to society, including school, returning to work, marriage, and pregnancy. To that end, a multidisciplinary care system is essential, with collaboration among various specialties such as medical oncology, reproductive medicine, psychiatry, and rehabilitation medicine."
Asan Medical Center Cancer Hospital held the "Young Cancer Symposium" on Nov. 1 at the hospital's Education and Research Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, to discuss tailored treatments for young cancer patients and psychological and social support measures. This is part of Asan Medical Center's efforts to expand multidisciplinary care and integrated support for young patients in response to the rise in cancer among people in their 20s and 30s. About 200 people, including medical staff, attended the symposium.
According to the National Cancer Registry statistics, the number of domestic patients aged 20 to 39 diagnosed with cancer has surged to about 19,000 a year (as of 2022). Excluding thyroid cancer, the most common cancers among those aged 15 to 34 were colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Among women, the incidence of cervical cancer and ovarian cancer is also high.
Cancers in young people tend to be more aggressive than in older patients. Many are not enrolled in cancer insurance and often fall through the cracks of health checkups, making early diagnosis and treatment difficult. After treatment, many experience social isolation and psychological anxiety at major life turning points such as school, employment, and marriage.
At the symposium, expert lectures continued on the quality of life of cancer survivors, including fertility preservation, mental health, and long-term complications. The need to expand national support for fertility preservation procedures was also raised.
At the symposium, Asan Medical Center breast surgery professor Kim Hee-jung gave a presentation on the clinical characteristics of young breast cancer patients and life after treatment. Kim said, "Pregnancy and childbirth are important life goals for young female survivors," adding, "Care for survivors that spans the entire process from diagnosis to treatment, fertility preservation, pregnancy, parenting, and psychological recovery is needed."
Next, medical oncology professor Kim Jeong-eun presented cases of early-onset colorectal cancer in young patients. Kim said, "As the incidence among young colorectal cancer patients (12.9 cases per 100,000 people) has risen sharply, the United States revised its guidelines in 2021 to begin colorectal cancer screening from one's 40s," adding, "Although Korea's incidence of colorectal cancer among young people is among the highest in the world, the guidelines have not been revised this year despite related discussions."
Obstetrics and gynecology professor Kim Ju-hyun presented on the rising trend in ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. While cervical cancer has been declining recently due to the expansion of the National Cancer Screening Program and the introduction of the HPV vaccine, cancers of the uterine body, such as endometrial cancer, have continued to increase and, since 2015, surpassed ovarian cancer to become one of the most common cancers among women in Korea since 2019.
Kim said, "We cannot categorically say that fertility-preserving treatment is completely safe oncologically at present, so we must always caution and monitor thoroughly," adding, "Individualized treatment and multidisciplinary collaboration with oncologists, reproductive endocrinology specialists, and obstetricians who manage high-risk pregnancies are essential."
Asan Medical Center launched the "MY HOPE" exercise crew, Korea's first integrated support program for young cancer survivors, alongside the symposium. The goal is to help restore physical and mental health after treatment and to create a place for peers to communicate.
Participants in the crew launch included various groups such as "Forest Trail Hunters," who continue to exercise during chemotherapy; "Am Sillonglong Run," which aims to spread a positive mindset; and "Walk Spring Crew," which pledges to overcome cancer and welcome spring again.
A person surnamed Cho in their 30s, a uterine sarcoma patient from "Nogosan Mate," said, "Friends my age who thought cancer was far from them began looking after each other's health after my diagnosis," adding, "Through regular activities, I want to build stamina and, in April next year, attempt to climb Hallasan with the crew." A person surnamed Kim in their 40s, a breast cancer patient from "Am Sillonglong Run," added, "I became lethargic after treatment, but through the crew's activities I want to feel the joy of exercise again."
Participants shared post-cancer treatment health management methods and exercise plans with experts and strengthened bonds among crew members. The crew activities will run for six months, sharing updates on social media and working to improve awareness of young cancer patients.
Song Si-yeol, head of Asan Medical Center Cancer Hospital (professor of radiation oncology), said, "Asan Medical Center operates MY HOPE, a multidisciplinary program for Healing, Outreach, Personalization, and Empowerment for young cancer patients," adding, "The hospital will join new efforts to improve the quality of life of young cancer survivors, not only in treatment but also in recovery and return to society."