Actor Dokgo Young-jae Faces Stomach Cancer Scare on Health Show

Actor Dokgo Young-jae was shocked to learn about his high risk of developing stomach cancer following a recent health examination.

The first episode of Channel A's 'Star Health Ranking Number One,' which aired on the 5th, focused on 'stomach cancer,' the most common cancer in South Korea. The show featured participants from various age groups, including 70s actor Dokgo Young-jae, 50s entertainers Ji Seok-jin and Lee Kyung-sil, 40s actress Han Da-gam, and 30s personality Hwang Yoo-joo.

Despite never having experienced stomach pain, the 72-year-old actor was confident about his health ranking. "I've been taking care of myself, so I expect to rank high today," he boldly stated.

However, the results revealed Dokgo Young-jae as the top candidate at risk for stomach cancer. He was diagnosed with chronic atrophic gastritis, erosive esophagitis, and duodenitis. The examination report advised immediate hospital consultation, leaving him in shock.

Dokgo Young-jae, who has abstained from alcohol since age 35, expressed his disbelief, "I've never felt stomach pain. I quit drinking and smoking 27 years ago, so I never worried about my stomach." Family medicine specialist Dr. Kim Se-wan explained, "Symptoms may not always be present, which is why national health screenings are essential. The examination results are not yet final." Dr. Kim further revealed that Dokgo Young-jae's endoscopy detected Helicobacter pylori bacteria, advising him to visit the hospital immediately after filming.

When Dokgo Young-jae asked, "Could I really have stomach cancer?" Dr. Kim responded, "Helicobacter pylori is a Group 1 carcinogen for stomach cancer. It doesn't disappear on its own, so treatment is necessary. Infected individuals who don't receive eradication therapy have a 10-20 times higher risk of developing stomach cancer compared to non-infected individuals." Concerned about alarming his wife, Dokgo Young-jae remarked, "I'm worried my wife will be shocked when she sees this."

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr