For the first time since national statistics began tracking cancer incidence in 1999, prostate cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among South Korean men, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Cancer Center on January 20, 2026.
The 2023 data reveals 22,640 new cases of prostate cancer, a 9% increase from the 20,606 cases recorded the previous year. The rise is attributed to a combination of factors including an aging population, increasingly Westernized dietary habits, and advancements in diagnostic technology leading to earlier detection, officials stated.
While often referred to as a “slow-growing” cancer, experts caution against underestimating the seriousness of prostate cancer. The increasing incidence highlights the need for proactive screening and early intervention, as advanced stages can be hard to treat.
The shift in cancer prevalence among men mirrors broader demographic trends in South Korea. The data indicates that over half of all new cancer patients are now 65 years or older, signaling a need to focus on cancer management within an aging society. Alongside prostate cancer, diagnoses of pancreatic and kidney cancers are also on the rise, linked to increasing rates of obesity, and diabetes.
Among women, while cervical cancer rates have declined due to expanded vaccination programs and screening initiatives, cases of endometrial cancer are increasing.
Despite the rising incidence of cancer survival rates remain relatively high. Approximately 74% of cancer patients in South Korea survive for five years or more after diagnosis. Prostate cancer, in particular, boasts a five-year relative survival rate exceeding 96%, underscoring the importance of early detection.
Health officials have not yet announced any specific policy changes in response to the new data, but the National Cancer Center is expected to release further analysis and recommendations in the coming weeks.
