Cancer cases and deaths among men are projected to skyrocket by 2050, according to a new study, especially for those aged 65 and older.
The research, published in the journal Cancer, showed 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 projected to increase 84 percent from 10.3 million to 19 million. Deaths are expected to rise 94 percent, from 5.4 million to 10.5 million, with a 117 percent increase among men aged 65 years and older.
Cancer cases and deaths are projected to increase nearly 40 percent among working-age groups and by 50 percent in countries that have a lower income and life expectancy.
The global age-adjusted cancer mortality rate in 2020 was 43 percent greater among men than among women. Similarly, the incidence rate was 19 percent greater among men than among women.
Men have higher risk factors that lead to more cases of cancer and lower survival rates, but those are also risk factors that can be modified. Men are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, and they are also more likely to be exposed to carcinogens in the workplace.
The disparities could also arise from men’s lower participation in cancer prevention activities and underuse of available prevention, screening and treatment options.
In the study, researchers analyzed 2022 data about cancer cases and deaths from 30 different types of cancer in 185 countries. As in 2022, lung cancer is projected to remain the leading cancer type for both cases and deaths by 2050, with both cases and deaths increasing by greater than 87 percent.
The study projected cases of mesothelioma to increase the most between 2022 and 2050, and the biggest increase in deaths to come from prostate cancer.
Between 2022 and 2050, the percentage increase in cancer cases is projected to range from 50 percent in more developed countries to nearly 140 percent in less developed countries. The increase in deaths is projected to range from about 64 percent in more developed countries to 142 percent in less developed countries.
The researchers said that stronger health access and infrastructure, including an adequate health workforce, are essential to improve current cancer outcomes in men and to prepare for the anticipated rise in cancer burden by 2050.
Another strategy to reduce disparities and improve cancer outcomes could be to expand universal health coverage worldwide, the researchers said, which could strengthen efforts to provide basic cancer care options.
There is currently low universal health coverage in low- and medium-income countries, which were disproportionately affected by poor cancer outcomes.