Data Resource Profile: The Cancer Public Library Database in South Korea

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The Cancer Public Library Database (CPLD) was established by the Korean Clinical Data Utilization for Research Excellence (K-CURE) project.
• It integrates data from four key Korean public health sources, including cancer incidence, mortality, and health insurance claims.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the Cancer Public Library Database (CPLD).
• To highlight the CPLD's structure, content, and potential for cancer research.

Main Methods:

• Linking data from the Korea Central Cancer Registry, Statistics Korea, National Health Insurance Service, and Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service.
• Utilizing encrypted resident registration numbers for data linkage.
• Compiling data for 1,983,499 individuals diagnosed with cancer between 2012 and 2019, with annual updates since 2022.

Main Results:

• The CPLD includes data on cancer diagnosis, demographics, medical claims, health checkups, and screening.
• Most common cancers in men: stomach, lung, colorectal. In women: thyroid, breast, colorectal.
• Mortality data from 2012-2020 shows 89.2% of deaths were cancer-related.

Conclusions:

• The CPLD is a unique, valuable resource for diverse cancer research.
• It facilitates investigations into healthcare utilization across the entire cancer continuum.
• Accessible to approved researchers via the K-CURE portal for advanced studies.