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The Korean National Codes Against Cancer: background of their establishment and the revision process
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Yoonjoo Choi, Jin-Kyoung Oh, Ayoung Byeon, Byungmi Kim
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Epidemiol Health. 2025;47:e2025027. Published online May 14, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2025027
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 Abstract
Summary
 PDF Supplementary Material
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Abstract
The Korean National Codes Against Cancer provide guidelines for cancer prevention. The inaugural edition was published in 2006, followed by a major revision in 2016. This study aimed to describe the historical context, scientific rationale, and revision process of these guidelines. With rising cancer incidence in the early 2000s, the Korean government recognized the need for national cancer prevention guidelines, prompting the National Cancer Center to initiate their formulation. The Division of Cancer Prevention reviewed global literature on cancer trends and Korea-specific studies on cancer risk factors. The final set of 10 recommendations comprising the Korean National Codes Against Cancer was approved by the National Cancer Control Committee after achieving expert consensus on cancer prevention. The finalized guidelines are firmly grounded in scientific evidence. The 10 current recommendations include: (1) no smoking and avoidance of secondhand smoke; (2) consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet; (3) reducing salt intake and avoiding burnt or charred foods; (4) limiting alcohol consumption; (5) engaging in regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week); (6) maintaining a healthy body weight; (7) receiving immunization against hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus; (8) practicing safe sex by maintaining a single sexual partner and using condoms; (9) following health and safety guidelines to avoid exposure to occupational carcinogens; and (10) undergoing regular cancer screening. This study detailed the sources and procedures involved in formulating and revising the Korean National Codes Against Cancer.
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Summary
Korean summary
한국의 대국민 암예방수칙은 암예방에 대한 권고사항을 담고 있습니다. 이것은 2006년에 제정 및 공표되었고 이후 누적된 연구결과와 사회적 변화를 반영하여 2016년에 1차 개정이 이루어졌습니다. 국립암센터 암예방사업부 연구진과 영역별 자문단은 과학적 근거에 기반한 암예방수칙 제정과 개정을 위해 관련 연구를 검토하고 의견 수렴, 합의의 과정을 거쳤습니다. 최종적으로 암관리위원회 승인을 받아 현재의 10개 항목 암예방수칙이 되었습니다.
Key Message
The Korean Code Against Cancer comprises a set of recommendations intended to prevent cancer. These guidelines were initially established and published in 2006 and subsequently revised in 2016 to incorporate accumulated research findings and evolving societal factors. The Secretariat of the Division of Cancer Prevention at the National Cancer Center, in collaboration with expert working groups from various fields, systematically reviewed relevant studies, gathered opinions, and reached consensus to ensure that the guidelines were evidence-based. The National Cancer Control Committee approved the currently published 10 codes for cancer prevention.
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