Suggestions for establishing a sustainable risk communication platform for carcinogenic factors

Given the steady increase in the number of cancer patients and media reports on controversial carcinogens related to occupation and lifestyle, people’s interest in cancer is growing. Since the Korean government pledged to overcome cancer, establishing its “Conquering Cancer 10-Year Plan” in 1966, the “Conquering Cancer” policy has achieved an increased cancer survival rate; however, the number of cancer patients is constantly increasing, due to the factors of aging, lifestyle, and environment. Of those people who achieve the average life expectancy (77 years for men and 84 years for women), it is estimated that two out of five men (38.1%) and one out of three women (33.8%) will suffer from cancer [1]. Under these circumstances, recent media reports on the carcinogens found in everyday products such as drinks, bags, and sportswear—as well as an announcement by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) about the carcinogenicity of diesel combustion—have caused national repercussions and a debate about cancer risks. Individuals’ ability to communicate about various health risks through a variety of media, digital devices, and widespread social network services (SNS) has enabled social discourse and arguments to develop at a much faster rate than would have been the case in the age of traditional media.