Male Cancer Deaths to Nearly Double by 2050, New Study Shows

A global study published in the journal Cancer by Wiley in collaboration with the American Cancer Society has revealed significant disparities in cancer cases and deaths based on age and countries' economic status, with projections indicating a widening gap by 2050. The study analyzed 30 types of cancer in 185 countries and territories, showing that cancer cases among men are expected to rise from 10.3 million in 2022 to 19 million in 2050, an increase of 84%. Concurrently, cancer-related deaths are predicted to nearly double, increasing from 5.4 million to 10.5 million, a 93% rise.

The research attributes these increases to factors such as lower participation in cancer prevention activities, underuse of screening and treatment options, and greater exposure to risk factors like smoking and alcohol consumption among men. Older men, particularly those aged 65 and above, are projected to face a 117% increase in cancer deaths due to late-stage diagnosis, reduced treatment tolerance, and financial barriers to healthcare. The study emphasizes the need for stronger health access and infrastructure, including the implementation of universal health coverage, to improve cancer outcomes and manage the anticipated rise in cancer burden.