Cancer is a fatal disease that has taken millions of lives around the world. Although it can affect anyone, there are certain cancer types that have gender-specific tendencies.

In this research study, we explore the prevalence of cancer among genders and the factors that increase the risk of developing the disease.

Gender and Cancer

Studies have shown that some cancer types affect men more than women, while others affect women more than men. For example, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.

The following are some of the cancer types that have gender-specific tendencies:.

Male-Specific Cancers

Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. According to the American Cancer Society, there were approximately 191,930 new cases of prostate cancer in 2020 and around 33,330 deaths.

This is because the prostate gland, which is located in male reproductive system, is only present in men, making them susceptible to prostate cancer.

Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer is another cancer that affects men more than women. This is largely due to the higher percentage of men who have smoked in the past or are current smokers.

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the most common cancer among men, accounting for approximately 14.5% of all male cancer cases worldwide in 2020.

Female-Specific Cancers

Breast Cancer.

As mentioned earlier, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. In 2020, there were approximately 276,480 new cases of breast cancer in women in the United States and around 42,170 deaths.

Women are more susceptible to breast cancer than men because they have breast tissue and are more likely to have hormonal changes throughout their lifetime.

Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is another cancer that is more common in women. According to the American Cancer Society, there were around 21,750 new cases of ovarian cancer and approximately 13,940 deaths in the United States in 2020.

Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is difficult to detect in its early stages.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Developing Cancer

While cancer can affect anyone, there are certain factors that increase the risk of developing cancer. The following are some of the factors that increase the risk of developing cancer:.

Lifestyle Factors

Several lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing cancer. These include:.

Smoking
Poor diet
Lack of physical activity
Excessive alcohol consumption

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors can also play a role in the development of cancer. In some cases, individuals may inherit a gene mutation from their parents that increases their risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer or colon cancer.

Age

As we age, the risk of developing cancer increases. This is because our bodies undergo changes over time that can lead to the development of cancer cells.

That’s why it’s important to get regular cancer screenings as we get older to catch any potential cases in their early stages.

Conclusion

Cancer is a deadly disease that has affected millions of individuals around the world. Gender-specific cancers, such as prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women, affect each gender at different rates.

While cancer can affect anyone, there are certain lifestyle and genetic factors that increase the risk of developing cancer. It’s important to be proactive about our health and get regular cancer screenings to catch potential cases in their early stages.