Cancer cases and deaths among men are expected to rise sharply by 2050. A significant increase will occur among men age 65 and older, according to a new study published in the journal Cancer.
For the study, experts from Australia analyzed deaths from 30 types of cancer in 185 countries and territories in 2022 to make predictions for 2050.
The study predicts that the total number of cancer cases among men will increase from 10.3 million in 2022 to 19 million in 2050, an 84% increase. Cancer deaths are projected to rise from 5.4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050, an increase of 93%. Mortality among men aged 65 and over will increase by 117%.
Countries with lower incomes and lower life expectancies are also projected to have greater increases in cancer deaths among men. "Between 2022 and 2050, in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, their numbers are expected to increase 2.5 times. In contrast, in Europe, an increase of about 50 per cent is expected," the researchers wrote.
Cancer cases and deaths among men are expected to rise sharply by 2050, with a new study suggesting they will increase significantly among men 65 and older.
For the study, published in the journal Cancer, researchers from Australia analyzed cases and deaths from 30 types of cancer in 185 countries and territories in 2022 to make projections for 2050.
The study predicts that the total number of cancer cases among men will increase from 10.3 million in 2022 to 19 million in 2050, an increase of 84%. Cancer deaths are projected to rise from 5.4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050, an increase of 93%. Deaths among men aged 65 and over are projected to increase by 117%.
Countries with lower incomes and lower life expectancies are also projected to have greater increases in cancer deaths among men. "Between 2022 and 2050, the number of incident cases and deaths is expected to increase 2.5-fold in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. In contrast, an increase of about one-half is expected in Europe," the researchers wrote.
Men are now more likely to die from cancer than women. Men are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, behaviours that are responsible for many cancers and are more likely to be exposed to carcinogens at work. They are also less likely to have access to preventive examinations.
As in 2022, lung cancer is expected to be the leading cause of cancer and cancer death in men in 2050. The cancers with the largest projected increases in men by 2050 are mesothelioma in incidence and prostate cancer in deaths.
Researchers say stronger access to health care and infrastructure — including an adequate workforce — are needed to improve current cancer outcomes and to prepare for expected increases by 2050. Expanding universal health coverage globally could strengthen "mainstream cancer treatment options," they wrote, noting that low-income countries are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of cancer and have low levels of health services.
Earlier this year, a report by the American Cancer Society found that a growing and ageing population were the main factors in the size of the world's cancer burden, with a global population of around 8 billion people expected to reach 2022 9.7 billion by 2050
As for the number of cancer cases worldwide, "We think that number will increase to 35 million by 2050, mainly due to the increase in the number of ageing populations," Dr William previously told CNN Dahut, chief scientific officer of the American Cancer Society. And if more people also use tobacco and become more obese, along with other cancer risk factors, the company says the projected number of cancer cases could become even higher -- especially in low-income countries. | BGNES
