A recent study has revealed that cancer cases and deaths among men are expected to rise sharply by 2050, with older men being the most affected.
The study, conducted by researchers in Australia, looked at cancer cases and deaths from 30 different types of cancer across 185 countries and regions in 2022 to predict future trends.
The findings suggest that the number of cancer cases among men will practically double, increasing from 10.3 million in 2022 to 19 million in 2050.
The number of deaths is also expected to nearly double from 5.4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050. The most significant increase is projected to be among men aged 65 and older for whom deaths could rise by 117 percent.
Countries with lower income see more cancer deaths in men
Countries with lower income and shorter life expectancy are expected to see a more significant rise in cancer deaths among men, according to the study.
Researchers noted that, between 2022 and 2050, cancer cases and deaths in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean could increase by two and a half times. In comparison, Europe might see a smaller increase of about 50 percent.
CANCER DEATHS AMONG MEN TO INCREASE 93% BY 2050
Researchers projected an 84% increase in cancer cases and a 93% increase in cancer deaths among men worldwide between between 2022 and 2050.
Using data from the Global Cancer Observatory, the study analyzed more than 30… pic.twitter.com/7irCaYqdDT
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 13, 2024
Men already face a higher risk of dying from cancer than women. This is partly because men are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, which are common causes of cancer.
Additionally, men are often exposed to harmful substances at work and are less likely to participate in cancer screening programs.
Lung cancer is expected to remain the leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among men by 2050, just as it was in 2022.
Mesothelioma projected to see the largest increase
The study also highlights that mesothelioma is projected to see the largest increase in new cases among men, while prostate cancer is expected to cause the most significant rise in deaths by 2050.
The study emphasizes the need for stronger healthcare access and infrastructure to improve cancer outcomes and handle the expected rise in cases by 2050.
Researchers suggest that expanding universal health coverage globally could enhance basic cancer care, especially in low-income countries where poor cancer outcomes are more common and healthcare coverage is often lacking. An adequate healthcare workforce is also crucial in addressing these challenges.
A report by the American Cancer Society earlier this year highlighted that the world’s growing and aging population is a major factor in the increasing global cancer burden.
With the global population of roughly 8 billion in 2022 expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, these demographic changes are driving the rise in cancer cases and deaths worldwide.
Dr. William Dahut, the chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society, has stated that the global number of cancer cases is expected to rise to 35 million by 2050.
