Listen to Story Cancer cases and deaths among men are projected to rise sharply by 2050, according to a new study. Researchers highlight that most of this increase will be seen in men aged 65 and older. Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death after heart disease .
However, in a new study, it is projected to be the leading cause of death by the end of this century. While cancer not only causes stress on healthcare systems, it also has a high economic burden with an estimated cumulative cost of $25.2 trillion between 2020 and 2050.
The new study, published in the journal Cancer , was conducted by Australian researchers who analysed data from 2022, covering 30 types of cancer across 185 countries and territories, to forecast future trends. The study estimates that cancer cases in men will rise from 10.3 million in 2022 to 19 million by 2050, marking an 84% increase.
Cancer deaths are expected to nearly double, increasing from 5.4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050, a 93% rise.
For men aged 65 and older, the projected increase in cancer deaths is even steeper, at 117%. The study also highlights that countries with lower income levels and shorter life expectancies will likely see the largest increases in cancer deaths among men. Cancer deaths are expected to nearly double, increasing from 5.
4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050, a 93% rise. (Photo: Getty Images) Specifically, cancer cases and deaths in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean are projected to increase by 2.
5 times between 2022 and 2050. In contrast, Europe is expected to see a more modest rise of about 50%. Men currently face a higher risk of dying from cancer compared to women, mostly because of higher rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and workplace exposure to carcinogens.
Another reason for this is that men are less likely to participate in cancer screening programs. Lung cancer, which was the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths among men in 2022, is expected to remain the top threat in 2050. The cancers with the highest projected increases in men are mesothelioma (a tumor of the tissue that lines the lungs, stomach, heart and other organs) for cases and prostate cancer for deaths .
The researchers highlighted the need for stronger healthcare systems to lower this rising projection. "Strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing workforce quality and access, fostering national and international collaborations, and promoting universal health coverage are crucial to reducing cancer disparities and ensuring cancer equity among men globally," the researchers wrote..
