Male cancer prevalence
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Global Prevalence of Male Cancers
Male cancers, which include those that occur exclusively in males such as prostate cancer (PCa) and testicular cancer (TCa), are significant contributors to the global cancer burden. In 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate for prostate cancer was 260.05 per 100,000 males, while for testicular cancer it was 16.59 per 100,000. The prevalence and incidence of these cancers have generally shown an upward trend from 1990 to 2021 and are projected to continue rising through 2040. However, deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these cancers are on a downward trend, likely due to improvements in detection and treatment. Prostate cancer is most prevalent in men over 70, while testicular cancer is more common in men aged 25–34. High-income regions report higher prevalence and incidence, while low-income regions experience higher mortality and DALYs. Key risk factors for prostate cancer include smoking and high calcium diets .
Prevalence of Other Male Cancers
Head and Neck Cancers
Males are much more susceptible to head and neck cancers than females, regardless of alcohol or tobacco use. The incidence rate in males is significantly higher, especially for cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx, with the male-to-female ratio peaking in the 60s age group. Even among non-smokers and non-drinkers, males have a 2.9-fold higher risk compared to females .
Male Breast Cancer
Although rare, the prevalence of male breast cancer (MBC) has been increasing, with an annual percentage change of 0.536% from 1975 to 2017. The increase is most rapid in men aged 70 and older. The 5-year cumulative mortality for MBC is 13.1%. Higher death risk is associated with Black race, higher tumor grade, and advanced cancer stage, while surgery and certain tumor subtypes are linked to reduced risk . The incidence of MBC has risen from 7.2% to 10.3% over a decade, while mortality has decreased, highlighting the impact of improved treatment and early detection .
Sex Disparities in Cancer Prevalence
Across most cancer types, males have higher incidence rates than females. The cancers with the largest male-to-female incidence rate ratios include Kaposi sarcoma, lip, larynx, mesothelioma, hypopharynx, urinary bladder, esophagus, tonsil, oropharynx, and other urinary organs. Only a few cancers, such as breast, thyroid, gallbladder, and anus, are more common in females. These disparities are consistent across different age groups and races, with some cancers showing particularly high male-to-female ratios in specific populations Cook2009Dong2020.
Regional and Age-Related Patterns
In Europe, prostate, colorectal, urinary bladder, skin melanoma, and kidney cancers are the most common among male survivors. The prevalence of cancer increases with age, with about 7.3% of UK males aged 65 and older living with a cancer diagnosis as of 1992. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of prevalent cancer cases in Europe increased by 3.5% per year, largely due to an aging population Forman2003De Angelis2024. In the United States, more than 8.1 million males with a history of cancer were alive in 2019, with prostate cancer being the most prevalent among them .
Prostate Cancer Prevalence in Different Populations
Autopsy studies show that prostate cancer is found in a similar proportion of unscreened Caucasian and Asian men, with prevalence rates of 37.3% and 35.0%, respectively. In men over 60, prostate cancer is observed in more than 40% of prostates, reaching nearly 60% in those over 80. However, Asian men are more likely to have higher-grade cancers .
Conclusion
Male cancer prevalence is rising globally, especially for prostate and testicular cancers, with significant variations by age, region, and cancer type. Males are generally at higher risk for most cancers compared to females, particularly for head and neck, prostate, and certain rare cancers. The increasing prevalence, especially among older men, underscores the need for targeted prevention, early detection, and tailored healthcare strategies to address the unique challenges of male cancer patients Zhang2025Park2022Cui2022+7 MORE.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Sex disparities in cancer incidence by time period and age
Cancer incidence rates vary by sex, with male-to-female incidence ratios higher in certain cancers and female-to-female ratios higher in others, from 1975 to 2004.
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