New Study Projects Surge in Cancer Among Men By 2050
A new study published in the journal Cancer has projected an alarming increase in cancer cases and deaths among men globally. The study forecasts an 84% rise in cancer cases and a 93% increase in cancer deaths among men by 2050, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to curb this trend. The research highlights several modifiable risk factors that men and their families can address to lower cancer incidence in the future.
The study, conducted by researchers using data from the Global Cancer Observatory, analyzed over 30 types of cancers across 185 countries. It found that men are more likely to die from cancer compared to women, partly due to higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as lower participation in cancer prevention activities and screenings. The cancer type with the highest projected increase is mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. Prostate cancer is estimated to cause more deaths.
"Men often put their health on the back burner, but the findings of this study are a stark reminder that taking proactive steps now can make all the difference,” said B. Lee Green, PhD, a Moffitt Cancer Center researcher who focuses on cancer health disparities, particularly in education, knowledge and awareness among minority populations. “At Moffitt, we're dedicated to empowering men with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their health — because prevention and early detection lower the risk, and these are the keys to saving lives."
Green stresses the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce cancer risk such as:
- Smoking: Identified as the leading risk factor, smoking contributes to nearly 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of cancer deaths. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce cancer risk.
- Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol intake can significantly lower cancer risk, as excessive consumption is linked to various cancer types.
- Obesity and Physical Inactivity: Maintaining a healthy body weight and staying physically active are crucial for cancer prevention. Obesity is increasingly recognized as a major cancer risk factor, comparable to smoking.
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber, while low in red and processed meats, can help reduce cancer risk.
- Infections: Vaccinations against viruses like HPV and hepatitis B, which are linked to certain cancers, are vital preventive measures.
While adopting healthier lifestyles is essential for preventing cancer, the study also highlights significant disparities in access to healthcare, which can lead to missed screenings and delayed diagnoses. These disparities are particularly pronounced in low-income regions, where access to preventive services and treatments is often limited.
Moffitt has several programs in place to help mitigate disparities and educate the community about cancer care and prevention. Our Community Outreach, Engagement and Equity Office partners with local organizations to provide educational workshops and screening resources, including colorectal FIT testing and skin cancer screenings. The cancer center has also expanded its telehealth services to help reach patients in more remote areas or who have difficulty traveling to the center for follow-up visits.
Another important focus at Moffitt is tackling disparities through research. In 2017, the cancer center created the George Edgecomb Society to help ensure equitable health outcomes and the elimination of cancer health disparities among Blacks and African Americans. Since then, the society has raised more than $2 million to fund this cause.
“While there has been much progress in cancer treatment, screening, diagnosis and prevention over the past few decades, it has been slower for the Black/African American community. This community continues to face higher cancer rates and cancer deaths,” Green said. “Studies like this one that project the continued raise in cancer cases among men by 2050 is a call to action for all of us. While the statistics are alarming, they also serve as a reminder that we can change this trajectory through prevention, early detection, and a commitment to reduce and eliminate cancer disparities among different populations.”
