There are many factors behind the projected increase, some of which include population aging and growth and changes in exposure to risk factors.
Cancer cases and deaths among men are expected to increase globally by 2050, according to a new study published in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. The study projects an 84 percent increase in cancer cases and a 93 percent increase in cancer deaths among men globally between 2022 and 2050.
The study notes that the increase will mainly affect men aged 65 or older, in countries and territories with a low or medium Human Development Index (an index that measures a country’s development in terms of health, knowledge and standard of living).
The study used data from the World Cancer Observatory, which analyses more than 30 different types of cancer in 185 countries and territories around the world to make population projections. According to experts, the figures would translate into around 5 million more deaths per year in men in 2050, compared with today.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization predicted more than 35 million new cancer cases by 2050, a 77 percent increase from the 20 million cases estimated for 2022. The survey looked at both men and women in 115 countries.
Why are men more susceptible to cancer??
According to the researchers, there are many factors behind the projected increase, some of which include population ageing and growth and changes in exposure to risk factors, with air pollution being a key contributor to environmental risk factors. Several studies have also pointed to tobacco and alcohol use, as well as obesity.
Experts say the link between smoking and cancer is very clear. Smoking causes at least 16 different types of cancer, including two of the most common: lung cancer and bowel cancer. Cancers caused by smoking include nasal cancer and sinus cancer.
Doctors say quitting smoking helps prevent lung cancer, with the risk of developing it dropping to about half that of a smoker after 10 years. Other benefits of quitting include improved circulation, increased lung function, and decreased coughing and shortness of breath.
Other factors that help explain why men face higher rates of cancer compared to women include lower participation in cancer prevention activities, such as screening, testing and even treatment options, the study authors said. In a news release, the study’s senior author, Dr. Habtamu Mellie Bizuayehu, said improving access to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment options, especially for older men, could help improve cancer outcomes.
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