Cancer cases and deaths expected to surge among men in coming decades
Cancer cases and deaths among men are projected to increase significantly worldwide by 2050, according to a recent study.
The study, published on Monday in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, predicts an 84% rise in cancer cases and a 93% increase in cancer deaths among men globally between 2022 and 2050.
The projected increases are particularly pronounced among men aged 65 and older and in regions with a low or medium human development index (HDI), which assesses a country’s health, education, and standard of living.
Utilizing data from the Global Cancer Observatory, researchers analyzed over 30 types of cancer across 185 countries and territories to develop these demographic projections.
“We’ve seen from past research in 2020 that global cancer death rates are about 43% higher in men than in women,” said CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook. “This study now projects that by 2050, there could be around 5 million more cancer-related deaths annually in men compared to today.”
This study is not the first to forecast a grim future for global cancer cases.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicted that new cancer cases would surpass 35 million by 2050, a 77% increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022. The WHO’s analysis included both men and women in 115 countries.
Several factors contribute to the anticipated global surge in cancer cases, including:
- Population aging and growth
- Increased exposure to risk factors, with air pollution being a significant environmental risk factor
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Obesity
The latest study also highlights smoking and alcohol consumption as modifiable risk factors particularly common among men.
“Not smoking is by far the most critical step people can take to reduce their cancer risk,” Dr. LaPook emphasized.
Additional factors contributing to higher cancer rates in men include lower participation in cancer prevention activities and underutilization of screening and treatment options, according to the study’s authors.
Lead author Habtamu Mellie Bizuayehu stated in a news release that enhancing access to cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, especially for older men, could improve cancer outcomes.
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