A study published in the journal Cancer by researchers from Australia has projected an increase in global cancer cases and deaths among men by 2050. This is expected to be mostly among older men those aged 65 and above. The study analyzed data from 30 types of cancer across 185 countries and territories, utilizing data from the Global Cancer Observatory to make demographic projections.
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The study projects that global cancer cases among men will rise from 10.3 million in 2022 to 19 million in 2050, an 84% increase.
This surge in Global Cancer cases is expected to be more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare and cancer prevention measures are often limited.
The number of Global Cancer deaths among men is projected to rise from 5.4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050, a 93% increase.
The increase in deaths is expected to be particularly among men aged 65 and older with a projected 117% rise in cancer-related mortality in this age group.
The study highlights geographical disparities in the projected increase in global cancer cases and deaths. While high-income countries in Europe are expected to see a more moderate increase in cancer incidence and mortality (about 50%), low- and middle-income countries particularly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, are projected to experience a 2.5-fold increase in cancer cases and deaths.
Countries with a lower Human Development Index (HDI), which measures development in health, education and standard of living are expected to bear the brunt of the increase in cancer cases and deaths.
The study suggests that these countries will see larger increases due to limited access to healthcare infrastructure, cancer screening programs and treatment options.
As in 2022, lung cancer is projected to remain the leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among men by 2050.
The study projects that mesothelioma will see the highest increase in cancer cases, while prostate cancer is expected to have the highest increase in cancer-related deaths among men by 2050.
Lung cancer is projected to remain the leading cause of cancer diagnoses and deaths globally. The incidence and mortality rates for lung cancer are expected to increase by more than 87% from 2022 to 2050.
These cancers will continue to be prevalent and deadly. Deaths from prostate cancer are anticipated to rise by 136% due to aging populations and colorectal cancer will remain a concern.
In Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, the number of global cancer cases and deaths is expected to increase 2.5-fold. In comparison, Europe will see a more moderate increase of about 50%.
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Men are more likely to smoke and consume alcohol than women, which increases their cancer risk. Smoking is a major contributing factor to the high rates of lung cancer.
Men are more frequently exposed to carcinogens in their workplaces, further increasing their cancer risk. Men are less likely to undergo routine cancer screenings, which contributes to higher cancer mortality rates.
The incidence of mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure, is expected to rise by 105% from 2022 to 2050.
One of the primary drivers of the projected increase in global cancer cases and deaths is the aging global population. The world’s population, which stood at approximately 8 billion in 2022 and it is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.
As people live longer, the likelihood of developing cancer increases, contributing to the overall rise in global cancer incidence and mortality.
The study highlights tobacco and alcohol use as major modifiable risk factors contributing to the increase in global cancer cases among men.
Men are more likely to smoke and consume alcohol compared to women, behaviors that are strongly linked to several types of cancer, including lung, liver and esophageal cancers.
Rising obesity rates globally are also contributing to the increase in cancer cases. Obesity is a known risk factor for several types of cancer including colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancers.
In 2020, global cancer death rates were about 43% higher in men than in women. This disparity is expected to continue with men facing a higher risk of cancer-related death due to factors such as higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as occupational exposure to carcinogens.
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