Title: “Renowned Gastric Cancer Specialist Kim Dong-heon to Share Insights at ‘Global Healthcare Week 2023′”
Director Kim Dong-heon, a Leading Authority in Gastric Cancer Treatment
In preparation for the upcoming ‘Global Healthcare Week 2023’ event, we sat down with renowned medical expert Kim Dong-heon, the director of On General Hospital. With a distinguished career in the field, Director Kim has gained recognition for his expertise in treating gastric cancer. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in advanced medical technology, which led him to pursue further education abroad. As an accomplished academic and theorist, Director Kim has held prestigious positions such as the president of the Korean Gastric Cancer Society and the Korean Surgical Society.
Prior to his current role, Director Kim served as the director of Pusan National University Hospital, as well as the director of Busan Medical Center and Busan Veterans Hospital. Furthermore, he played a significant role in the initiation of the construction of the National University of Yangsan University, partaking in both the groundbreaking ceremony and the commencement of the project. He is highly regarded in the medical community and has made it a point to visit every public medical institution in Busan. However, he humbly attributes his success to the influence of the late Dr. Chang Ki-ryeo Seongsan, who served as the first head professor of the Department of Surgery at Pusan National University School of Medicine.
In anticipation of his special lecture on ‘stomach cancer’ at the ‘Global Healthcare Week 2023’ event, which will be held at BEXCO in Busan from August 17th to 19th, we had the opportunity to speak with Director Kim about his thoughts on maintaining good health as one ages.
Q: What steps can individuals take to lead a healthy life in their senior years?
Director Kim: Health encompasses not only physical well-being, but also mental, social, and spiritual aspects. As one grows older, it becomes crucial to pay attention to four key factors. Firstly, it is essential to prevent the development of cancer and minimize the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, individuals should aim to prevent infectious diseases such as pneumonia, avoid accidents like falls or car crashes, and take steps to mitigate the chances of developing dementia.
Q: Is cancer the most significant health concern for seniors?
Director Kim: Yes, indeed. Presently, cancer stands as one of the leading causes of mortality. Lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer are the most prevalent and deadliest types. These cancers require heightened attention and awareness. Pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer also present substantial mortality rates.
Q: Despite significant advancements in medical technology, are cancer rates still rising?
Director Kim: While medical progress has undeniably been made, data indicates that cancer rates are increasing at an alarming rate. The elderly population, in particular, is experiencing a rapid surge. Even with optimal medical care, it is impossible to save every individual. Hence, the total number of cancer-related deaths continues to rise.
Q: Has there been a notable improvement in the 5-year survival rate?
Director Kim: Absolutely. Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable increase in the 5-year survival rate for various cancers. For instance, the survival rate after thyroid cancer surgery, currently the most common type, was 90% ten years ago and has now reached almost 100%. Prostate cancer, breast cancer, and kidney cancer have survival rates of 90%, 80%, and 80% respectively.
For stomach cancer, which I have extensively observed, the 5-year survival rate was mere 40% in the past, but it has now exceeded 78%. This means that 7 to 8 out of every 10 patients who undergo surgery will achieve complete recovery. Lung cancer, often associated with high mortality rates, has seen improvements with a current survival rate of 30%. Pancreatic cancer, on the other hand, still remains challenging with a survival rate of over 12%.
Q: Does the survival rate decrease significantly in the advanced stages of cancer?
Director Kim: In the case of gastric cancer, approximately 96% of individuals in the first stage survive. Treatment options range from surgery and chemotherapy to immunotherapy. However, survival rates decline to around 70% in the second stage, 36% in the third stage, and as low as 4-10% in the fourth stage. Once the cancer reaches the final stage, the chances of survival significantly decrease. This underscores the critical importance of early detection and regular check-ups, which play a vital role as secondary prevention measures.
Q: Given your specialization in gastric cancer, why does stomach cancer persist?
Director Kim: Dietary habits are a significant contributing factor. The causes of stomach cancer have not varied significantly over time. It remains prevalent among individuals who consume excessive amounts of salty and spicy foods over an extended period. Additionally, the consumption of burnt or excessively hot foods is also detrimental. Environmental factors such as smoking, exposure to radiation, asbestos, and iron play a significant role in its occurrence. Furthermore, the presence of Helicobacter pylori, which affects approximately two-thirds of Korean adults, has a profound impact over time.
Q: Can stomach cancer be prevented by avoiding these risk factors?
Director Kim: Yes, it is highly recommended to proactively prevent stomach cancer before it develops. Immediate steps should be taken to reduce the intake of salty, spicy, excessively hot, and burnt foods. Animal fat consumption should also be minimized. Instead, replacing these with a diet rich in raw vegetables, fruits, tofu, soybean paste, and garlic is beneficial. Leafy green vegetables, particularly those high in beta-carotene, are highly recommended. Although the adjustment in taste might be challenging initially, with practice, these healthier food options will become more enjoyable. Following these measures, the incidence of stomach cancer has shown a gradual decrease in recent years.
Oh, and before I forget, there is one crucial aspect. Stay updated with the latest news. By reducing your regular food intake by 30-40% and incorporating regular exercise, you can significantly improve your overall lifespan.
Q: During the rainy season and in hot weather, my appetite tends to decrease. Is this beneficial?
Director Kim: As an additional measure, it is advisable to supplement your diet with multivitamins, as well as vitamins D and E. Daily multivitamins, along with vitamins D and E every other day, can be highly beneficial. The consumption of ginseng is also recommended. Remember, taking care of oneself holds great importance. It is more advantageous to adopt these practices rather than neglect them.
Q: While we are well aware of what to do and what to avoid, it becomes challenging to implement these changes…
Director Kim: That is completely understandable. Practicing such measures can be a challenge for everyone. Even I struggle at times. (Laughs) However, even if you forget everything else, remember these fundamental tips. Prioritize staying informed with the latest news. Avoid harmful food habits and consume nourishing foods that support your well-being. Secondly, engage in regular exercise, which should include both aerobic activities and strength training. These form the basis of a comprehensive healthcare routine.
Lastly, hormones, as well as moderate stress, play a crucial role. If harnessed effectively, stress can become a source of motivation instead of harm. Pursuing new knowledge and experiences can contribute to improved mental health and prevent dementia. Paradoxically, a glass or two of alcohol can also have its benefits. It reminds us not to become complacent with our health and encourages us to be vigilant in caring for our bodies.
As we conclude our conversation with Director Kim Dong-heon of On General Hospital, his insights shed light on the importance of preventative measures and a holistic approach to healthcare. His expertise in gastric cancer treatment further emphasizes the significance of early detection and continuous efforts towards promoting individual well-being.
[Image: Clipart Korea]
‘Global Healthcare Week 2023’ special corner ③ Kim Dong-heon, director of On General Hospital
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He made a name for himself with gastric cancer. From an early age, he sought to learn advanced medical technology abroad and always lived with an inquiring attitude. He is also good in academics and theory, and served as the president of the Korean Gastric Cancer Society (7th) and the Korean Surgical Society (70th).
He served as director of Pusan National University Hospital, and also served as director of Busan Medical Center and Busan Veterans Hospital. When Yangsan Pusan National University Hospital has started on the construction of the National University of Yangsan University, the ground breaking ceremony and the first shovel was opened. He is an elder in the medical field who has visited every public medical institution in Busan. However, he is always proud to be a ‘descendant’ of Dr. Chang Ki-ryeo Seongsan, who was the first head professor of the Department of Surgery at Pusan National University School of Medicine.
We visited Kim Dong-heon, director of On General Hospital, who will give a special lecture in the name of ‘stomach cancer’ in the special corner of ‘Global Healthcare Week 2023’ to be held at BEXCO, Busan on August 17-19, and he asked about the health approach we need.
What should I do to live a healthy life even when I’m old?
Health includes not only physical health, but also mental health, social health, and spiritual health, but after you get older, you need to be careful of four things. First, you must not get cancer, and you must be careful not to have a stroke or cardiovascular disease. In addition, there should be no infectious diseases such as pneumonia, trauma such as falls or car accidents, and diseases such as dementia.
Isn’t cancer the biggest problem?
Yes. Because life comes and goes right now. In terms of cancer deaths, lung cancer, liver cancer, colon and rectal cancer, and stomach cancer are the most common. They are also the most common cancers. Pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer also have a high mortality rate.
Although medical technology has advanced rapidly, is that still true?
Medical advances have been made, but data shows that people’s cancer rates are increasing faster. The elderly population is also growing rapidly. No matter how well a doctor treats them, they cannot save everyone. That is why the absolute number of deaths is increasing.
Is the 5 year survival rate significantly higher?
that’s okay. The 5 year survival rate after surgery for thyroid cancer, which is the most common nowadays, was 90% 10 years ago, but now it is almost 100%. It accounts for 90% of prostate and breast cancers and 80% of kidney cancers.
Stomach cancer, which I have seen for a long time, was only 40%, but now it is over 78%. This means that 7 to 8 out of every 10 patients who undergo surgery will be cured. Lung cancer, which is said to have a high mortality rate, is now 30%, and pancreatic cancer is more than 12%.
However, once the cancer is in its final stage, the survival rate drops significantly.
In the case of gastric cancer, about 96% of stage 1 people live. There are various treatments, from surgery to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Then, in the second period, it is about 70%, in the third period, about 36%, and in the fourth period, it is 4-10%. Going into the 4th stage, it’s hard to be more than 10% no matter what.
That is why it is said that it is unconditionally better to find it early. Getting checked regularly is a very important health care approach that individuals can take and is the second prevention.
[사진=클립아트코리아]Doesn’t the hospital director specialize in gastric cancer? Why is stomach cancer not decreasing?
Food habits are the biggest. The cause of gastric cancer has not changed much since then or now. Stomach cancer is particularly common in people who have eaten a lot of salty and spicy food for a long time. Burnt food, hot food is also not good.
In addition, environmental factors such as smoking, exposure to radiation, asbestos, and iron are also significant. Helicobacter pylori, which is said to infect 2/3 of adults in Korea, also has a major impact over time.
If I don’t do those things, will stomach cancer be reduced?
Yes. It would be better if it is thoroughly prevented before stomach cancer occurs. Reduce salty, spicy, hot and burning foods immediately. Animal fat is also not good. Drinking and smoking are not good for you.
Instead, it is better to change your eating habits to foods such as raw vegetables, fruits, tofu, soybean paste, and garlic. Green vegetables, particularly high in beta-carotene… . It’s hard to change the taste at first, but after a little practice, you’ll find they taste better. Through these efforts, stomach cancer is gradually decreasing in recent years.
Oh, I almost forgot, but one very important thing. From now on, please be quick on news. Even if you reduce the amount you usually eat by 30-40%, the remaining life is doubled. If you add proper exercise to that, there is nothing better.
These days, in the rainy season, in the heat, I have no appetite, but it is quite good.
To add a little more, take a multivitamin and vitamins D and E. A daily multivitamin, and vitamins D and E every other day are suitable. It is also good to use ginseng. You said it’s important to take care of yourself, right? It is much better to do it than not to do it.
We know a lot about what to do and what not to do. This is because we cannot implement it … .
that’s okay. It’s hard for everyone to practice. So I am… . (Laughs) Then, even if you forget everything, remember these things. news first. Avoid what you shouldn’t eat and eat things that are good for your body … . Second, do the right exercise. Regular and continuous muscle exercise along with aerobic exercise are all necessary. All health care tips are included here.
next,’hormones‘(hormones) and moderate stress. If poison is used well, it becomes medicine. If you go out and learn something new, you will feel the right tension in your body. It’s better for mental health, it can prevent dementia… . It’s a paradox, but it’s good to have a small bottle or two. That way, you will not be proud of your health, and you will take care of your body carefully … .
Kim Dong-heon, director of On General Hospital. [사진=온종합병원]
#small #bottles
