Cancer cases and deaths among men are expected to rise sharply by 2050, according to a new study, especially among those aged 65 and over.
The research, published in the journal Cancer, showed that the current sharp disparity in cancer mortality and cases among men is likely to increase without interventions.
Between 2022 and 2050, cancer cases among men are expected to increase by 84%, from 10.3 million to 19 million. Deaths are predicted to increase by 94 percent, from 5.4 million to 10.5 million, with a 117 percent increase among men aged 65 and over.
Cancer cases and deaths are expected to increase by almost 40% among working-age groups and by 50% in countries with lower incomes and life expectancy.
The global age-adjusted cancer death rate in 2020 was 43 percent higher among men than women. Likewise, the incidence rate was 19% higher among men than among women.
Men have higher risk factors that lead to more cancer cases and lower survival rates, but these are also risk factors that can be modified. Men are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, and are also more likely to be exposed to carcinogens in the workplace.
Disparities may also result from men’s lower participation in cancer prevention activities and the underutilization of available prevention, screening and treatment options.
In the study, researchers analyzed 2022 data on cancer cases and deaths from 30 different types of cancer in 185 countries. As in 2022, lung cancer is predicted to remain the leading type of cancer in terms of cases and deaths until 2050, with an increase in cases and deaths of more than 87 percent.
The study projected that mesothelioma cases will increase most between 2022 and 2050, and that the biggest increase in deaths will be from prostate cancer.
Between 2022 and 2050, the percentage increase in cancer cases is expected to vary between 50 percent in the most developed countries and almost 140 percent in the least developed countries. The increase in deaths is expected to range from around 64 percent in the most developed countries to 142 percent in the least developed countries.
Researchers said stronger health access and infrastructure, including an adequate health workforce, are essential to improve current cancer outcomes in men and to prepare for the predicted increase in the cancer burden by 2050.
Another strategy to reduce disparities and improve cancer outcomes could be to expand universal health coverage worldwide, researchers said, which could bolster efforts to provide basic cancer care options.
There is currently low universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries, which have been disproportionately affected by unfavorable cancer outcomes.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
