A study has found that North Korean defectors (referred to as North Korean escapees) have a 13% higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population residing in South Korea. Conducted by a research team from Korea University Anam Hospital, the study analyzed data over a span of 10 years, following 25,798 North Korean defectors and 1,276,601 South Korean residents using data from the National Health Insurance Corporation.
Despite sharing similar ethnic and genetic backgrounds, North Korean defectors and South Korean residents experience vastly different growth environments and socio-economic conditions. The study tracked changes in overall cancer incidence rates and the risk of various types of cancer among defectors after they emigrated to South Korea.
The findings revealed that defectors have a 13% higher overall cancer risk, with the risk being 31% higher among males. The study highlighted increased risks for liver, cervical, and lung cancer, while cancers more common in developed countries, such as breast and colorectal cancer, initially showed lower incidence rates.
These differences are attributed to variations in living conditions and healthcare access between North and South Korea. Liver cancer is strongly related to Hepatitis B virus infections, and cervical cancer to HPV infections. Insufficient preventive vaccinations and regular screenings can heighten these risks. It was noted that North Korean defectors showed higher Hepatitis B virus carrier rates upon entering South Korea, compared to the South Korean population.
The elevated lung cancer risk in male defectors is potentially linked to high smoking rates in North Korea, where smoking is common among men and often becomes habitual during military service. Conversely, breast and colorectal cancer incidence tends to increase over time, potentially due to changes in diet, childbirth age, and reduced physical activity post-migration.
The study indicates that defectors face dual cancer risks: one from infections in their past environment and one from lifestyle changes after resettling. Professor Kim Gyeong-jin emphasized the need for personalized cancer prevention strategies that include vaccination, early screening, and lifestyle management. The findings were published in the March issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine.