Projected Surge in Male Cancer Cases and Deaths by 2050, Particularly in Older Age Groups

A recent study published in the journal Cancer forecasts a significant rise in cancer cases and fatalities among men by 2050, especially among those aged 65 and older, CNN reports.

Researchers from Australia conducted an analysis of 30 distinct cancer types, examining cases and deaths across 185 countries and territories in 2022 to develop these projections for future trends.

The study projects overall cancer cases among men will increase from 10.3 million in 2022 to 19 million in 2050, an increase of 84%. Cancer deaths were projected to rise from 5.4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050, an increase of 93%. Deaths among men age 65 and older were projected to increase by 117%.

Countries with a lower-income and life expectancy are also projected to see larger increases in cancer deaths in men.

“Between 2022 and 2050, in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, the number of incident cases and deaths is projected to increase 2.5-fold. In contrast, Europe is projected to experience an increase of about one half,” the researchers wrote.

Men are already more likely than women to die from cancer. Men are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, behaviors that drive many cancer cases, and are more likely to be exposed to carcinogens in the workplace. They’re also less likely to access screening programs.

Just as in 2022, lung cancer is projected to be the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths in men in 2050. The cancers with the highest projected increases in men by 2050 were mesothelioma for cases and prostate cancer for deaths.

Researchers have outlined the need for enhanced health access and infrastructure, including a sufficient workforce, to improve current cancer outcomes and prepare for the anticipated rise in cases by 2050.

 Expanding universal health coverage globally could bolster “basic cancer care options,” particularly since low-income countries face disproportionately adverse cancer outcomes and have low rates of universal health coverage, the survey has suggested.

Earlier this year, a report from the American Cancer Society identified population growth and aging as significant factors contributing to the global cancer burden. The study noted that the world’s population, which stood at some 8 billion in 2022, is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.