Cancer Rates in Men Expected to Rise Significantly by 2050

A new study reports that by 2050, global cancer cases in men are expected to increase by 84%. Cancer deaths for men are expected to increase by 93%. These findings were published in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The study estimates that from 2022 to 2050:

• Cancer cases in men will rise from 10.3 million to 19 million.
• Cancer deaths in men are projected to increase from 5.4 million to 10.5 million.
• Lung cancer is expected to become the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in men.

According to the study, men ages 65 and older could see the largest increase in cancer deaths through 2050, with an estimated increase of 117% in this age group.

“It is important to recognize the increasing frequency of cancer diagnosis as well as the related risk of dying from cancer, especially in more senior individuals, since cancer is more common in older age,” said Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expert and Clinical Director of the Genitourinary Cancers Program at University of Washington Medicine.

How common is cancer in men?

For men living in the US:

• About 42 out of 100 will develop cancer at some point during their lifetime.
• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men (after non-melanoma skin cancer). About 1 in 8 men are expected to develop the disease during their lifetime.
• The next most common cancers diagnosed in men include lung cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma skin cancer.

Lifestyle factors can increase cancer risk in men

There are many lifestyle factors known to increase cancer risk, including smoking and drinking alcohol. Studies show that men are more likely than women to smoke or drink. They are also more likely to work in jobs that expose them to chemicals known to increase cancer risk.

It is important that men understand their cancer risk. They should get regular health checkups and keep up with recommended cancer screening tests.

“Everyone should establish primary care very early in their lives, whether that means having a single primary care provider or regularly visiting a clinic in the community. It is vitally important to work with your primary care provider so you can receive age-appropriate cancer screening based on the latest scientific evidence and expert guidelines,” said Dr. Grivas. “Genetic counseling can also be critical, especially if there is a family history of cancer or a young age of cancer diagnosis. Additional reasons should be discussed with your provider.”

Men can take steps now to lower their cancer risk. These steps include:

• Stopping smoking
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing sun exposure and protecting skin from the sun
• Avoiding chemicals known to increase cancer risk
• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Get recommended health and cancer screening tests

Finally, it is important that men monitor for any physical changes that may or may not be signs of cancer. When cancer is found early, it might be easier to treat successfully.

Dr. Grivas is an Associate Editor on ASCO’s Patient Information Editorial Board.