Medical researchers are predicting a significant rise in cancer cases and deaths among men by the year 2050. Cancer-related deaths are projected to nearly double, rising from 5.4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050, representing a 93% increase.
New findings published in an American Cancer Society journal suggest that globally, cancer cases among men are expected to skyrocket from 10 million in 2022 to 19 million by 2050 — an 84% increase.
The age demographic most impacted will be men aged 65 and older, with cancer deaths expected to surge by 117% by 2050. Researchers predict that lung cancer will remain the leading cause of cancer cases and deaths in men.
Men are already at a higher risk of dying from cancer compared to women. Researchers attributed this partly to higher rates of smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. Additionally, men are less likely to participate in cancer screenings and preventive care. Expanding access to cancer screening programs is one way to address this issue.
President Joe Biden will travel to New Orleans on Aug. 13 to discuss efforts related to the “Cancer Moonshot Initiative.” The goal of the program is to prevent 4 million cancer deaths by 2047 by expanding access to cancer screenings and treatments in underserved communities.
However, these alarming projections may be influenced by factors beyond immediate control. An earlier study by the American Cancer Society identified “global population growth” and “people living longer” as significant contributors to the increase in cancer cases and deaths. The world’s population, currently around 8 billion, is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.
