Population-Based Regional Cancer Incidence in Korea: Comparison between Urban and Rural Areas / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in organ-specific cancer incidence according to the region and population size in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the data of the cancer registration program of Gyeongnam Regional Cancer Center between 2008 and 2011. Age-standardized rates of cancer incidence were analyzed according to population size of the region and administrative zone. RESULTS: Incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing rapidly in both urban and rural areas. However, the thyroid cancer incidence was much lower in rural areas than in urban areas and megalopolis such as Seoul. Gastric cancer was relatively more common in rural areas, in megalopolis near the sea (Ulsan, Busan, and Incheon), and other southern provinces (Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do). A detailed analysis in Gyeongsangnam-do revealed that rural areas have relatively low incidence of thyroid and colorectal cancer, and relatively high incidence of gastric and lung cancer compared to urban areas. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that there are some differences in cancer incidence by population size. Thyroid and colorectal cancer incidence was increasing, and gastric and lung cancer was slightly decreasing in urban areas, whereas gastric and lung cancer incidence still remains high in rural areas.

A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Preference of Sulfate Free Polyethylene Glycol with Standard Polyethylene Glycol / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The standard polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution for colonic cleansing has a salty taste and a large volume of it is required, which can cause failure for the patient to ingest the required dosage. This has been a limitation for its usage. Sulfate free PEG (SF-PEG) has a less salty taste due to removal of the sodium sulfate, but the published studies in western countries about the preference and the degree of patient's satisfaction with these two solutions has shown conflicting results. The object of this study was to compare SF-PEG with PEG solution in regard to preference, the degree of patient's satisfaction and the adverse effects in Korean patients. We also attempted to determine whether these factors were associated with preference. METHODS: Ninety-four patients scheduled for colonoscopy were given one liter of both solutions (SF-PEG and PEG) and then the patients were allowed to select either of the two solutions for the further two liters intake under informed consent. Before colonoscopy, the preferred solution, the degree of patient's satisfaction, the adverse effects and other information were recorded by questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients among the 94 patients (63%) preferred the SF-PEG solution (p<0.05). Especially, the young patients under the age of 35 preferred the SF-PEG solution (83% vs 58%; p=0.045), and patients who had already experienced colonoscopy with PEG solution tended to prefer the SF-PEG (54% vs 78%; p=0.054). CONCLUSIONS: Korean patients preferred the SF-PEG over PEG, and especially young aged patients and the patients who had already taken the PEG solution. Similar results were obtained for both solutions concerning the adverse effects, cleansing quality and compliance, and the degree of satisfaction was not much improved, which was probably due to the same large volume of fluid that is required for colon cleaning.