Exploring Spatial Inequalities in Cancer Incidence Across Cancer Types in Korea
Junwoo Park
Korea International School, Seongnam, South Korea
Publication date: November 20, 2025
Korea International School, Seongnam, South Korea
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II55
ABSTRACT
Human susceptibility to diseases, particularly cancer, underscores the critical need to enhance health outcomes and elevate quality of life, enabling individuals to lead prosperous and fulfilling lives. Despite concerted efforts, cancer remains the leading cause of mortality in Korea, with profound effects on human health including pain and functional impairment, severely diminishing life quality. This necessitates ongoing research across various disciplines aimed at effective cancer prevention and management. This study investigates the spatial patterns and regional characteristics of multiple cancer types in Korea from 2014 to 2018 using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Employing Moran's I statistics and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), the analysis identifies significant regional disparities in cancer incidences. The findings reveal spatial autocorrelation in cancer occurrences across all types, with notable statistical interconnections between different cancers. This research is poised to inform targeted cancer prevention policies and strategies at both local and national levels in South Korea.
Human susceptibility to diseases, particularly cancer, underscores the critical need to enhance health outcomes and elevate quality of life, enabling individuals to lead prosperous and fulfilling lives. Despite concerted efforts, cancer remains the leading cause of mortality in Korea, with profound effects on human health including pain and functional impairment, severely diminishing life quality. This necessitates ongoing research across various disciplines aimed at effective cancer prevention and management. This study investigates the spatial patterns and regional characteristics of multiple cancer types in Korea from 2014 to 2018 using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Employing Moran's I statistics and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), the analysis identifies significant regional disparities in cancer incidences. The findings reveal spatial autocorrelation in cancer occurrences across all types, with notable statistical interconnections between different cancers. This research is poised to inform targeted cancer prevention policies and strategies at both local and national levels in South Korea.
