Epidemiology of Gastric Cancer in Korea (1999-2022): Incidence, Survival, and 5-Year Conditional Relative Survival.

[PURPOSE] This study evaluated long-term trends in gastric cancer epidemiology and survival with a focus on conditional relative survival (CRS).

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Using the Korea Central Cancer Registry, we analyzed 665,184 patients who were newly diagnosed with gastric cancer between 1999 and 2022. The study period was divided into four intervals: Period I (1999-2005), Period II (2006-2011), Period III (2012-2017), and Period IV (2018-2022). Temporal trends in the incidence and mortality were assessed using crude and age-standardized rates. Relative survival was estimated using the Ederer II method, and the 5-year CRS was calculated according to the survival duration after diagnosis.

[RESULTS] The incidence of gastric cancer increased until 2011 and subsequently declined, with a marked decrease observed in 2020. Individuals aged ≥70 years consistently had the highest incidence rates. Mortality rates showed a sustained decline throughout the study period. The overall 5-year relative survival improved from 69.8% in Period II to 78.4% in Period IV. The 5-year CRS increased from 86.1% at 1 year after diagnosis to 96.3% at 5 years. Patients with localized stage maintained a 5-year CRS above 95% at 1 year after diagnosis, whereas those with regional and distant stages showed 5-year CRS that consistently remained below 95%.

[CONCLUSIONS] The incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer in Korea have declined over the past two decades, accompanied by improved survival outcomes. The CRS analysis suggests that long-term follow-up is warranted, with the optimal duration varying according to patient characteristics.