한국의 갑상선암 과잉진단, 과잉치료 논란과 그 시사점

Implications of controversy over the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of thyroid cancer in Korea

The dramatic increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer over recent decades in South Korea is attracting the world’s attention. It also raises strong suspicion of overdiagnosis, because thyroid-cancer-related mortality rates have not changed substantially. Therefore, overdiagnosis and issues related to overtreatment of thyroid cancer in Korea have caused bitter controversy among medical experts. This article takes a quick look at the recent history of these disputes and considers the implications of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of thyroid cancer in Korea, along with appropriate solutions.