Cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells in any part of the body. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, with about 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone.

There is a common belief that men are more prone to cancer than women. However, recent research suggests that the incidence and mortality rates of cancer vary by gender and the type of cancer.

Breast cancer: A woman’s disease?

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women worldwide, accounting for more than 2 million new cases diagnosed in 2018 alone.

The incidence of breast cancer is much higher in women than men, with about 99% of all cases diagnosed in women.

Several risk factors increase a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer, such as age, family history of breast cancer, inherited gene mutations, exposure to radiation, and obesity.

However, men can also develop breast cancer, albeit at a much lower rate than women.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,620 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2021, which accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.

Men with breast cancer also face a higher risk of mortality compared to women due to delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options.

Lung cancer: A man’s disease?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, causing about 1.8 million deaths in 2018 alone.

While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to genetic factors, exposure to radon gas, air pollution, and workplace exposure to carcinogens.

Males are more likely to develop lung cancer than females, with the incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer being consistently higher in men worldwide.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer death rates in men peaked in the 1980s and have been declining since then, while lung cancer death rates in women have shown a slight increase over the past few decades.

Smoking is a significant risk factor for both men and women, but smoking patterns among genders differ. Men are more likely to smoke cigarettes than women, leading to higher rates of lung cancer among men.

Colorectal cancer: Why women are at higher risk?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, causing about 1.8 million new cases diagnosed in 2018 alone. Colorectal cancer is more common in men than women, but women are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than men.

Several factors increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, such as age, family history of colorectal cancer, inherited gene mutations, history of inflammatory bowel disease, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. However, recent studies have found that women are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer due to hormonal factors.

Studies have shown that estrogen, a female sex hormone, reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by protecting the colon cells from mutations and promoting bowel movements.

However, women’s estrogen levels decrease after menopause, leading to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in women.

Skin cancer: Is gender a factor?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, with more than 5 million new cases diagnosed in the United States alone each year.

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is more common in men than women, with men having a higher incidence rate and mortality rate compared to women.

Several risk factors increase the risk of skin cancer, such as excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and lamps, fair skin, family history of skin cancer, and immune system suppression.

However, studies suggest that the higher incidence of skin cancer in men may be due to behavioral differences. Men are more likely to work outdoors, engage in outdoor recreational activities, and not use sun protection measures such as sunscreen and protective clothing.

Prostate cancer: A man’s disease?

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men worldwide, accounting for more than 1.2 million new cases diagnosed in 2018 alone. Prostate cancer is rare in men under age 50 but becomes more common as men get older.

About 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older.

Prostate cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of prostate cells and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Several risk factors increase the risk of prostate cancer, such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and race.

African American men have a higher incidence rate and mortality rate of prostate cancer compared to white men and Asian men.

Prostate cancer is often treated with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. The mortality rate of prostate cancer has been declining over the past few decades due to early detection and effective treatment options.

Gender and cancer: What the research shows

The incidence, mortality rates, and risk factors of cancer vary by gender and the type of cancer. Breast cancer is more common in women than men, while lung cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer are more common in men than women.

Studies suggest that the higher incidence of lung cancer, skin cancer, and prostate cancer in men may be due to behavioral and lifestyle differences.

Men are more likely to smoke cigarettes, work outdoors, engage in outdoor recreational activities, and not use sun protection measures such as sunscreen and protective clothing.

On the other hand, women are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer due to hormonal factors.

Studies have shown that estrogen, a female sex hormone, reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by protecting the colon cells from mutations and promoting bowel movements. However, women’s estrogen levels decrease after menopause, leading to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in women.

In conclusion, cancer is a complex disease that affects both men and women differently. Understanding the gender-specific risk factors and preventive measures can help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cancer worldwide.