A New Report Reveals Shift in Cancer Cases in the United States
Cancer Cases Shift from Men to Women and from Older to Younger Adults
A new report published by the American Cancer Society has revealed a significant shift in cancer cases in the United States. According to the report, cancer cases are shifting from men to women and from older to younger adults.
Women’s Cancer Rates Surpass Men’s
For the first time, cancer rates in women ages 50 to 64 have surpassed those in men, the report found. Women under age 50 also had an 82% higher cancer rate in 2021 than men the same age, compared with a 51% higher rate in 2002. The trend may be in part because of rising rates of breast and thyroid cancer in younger women, along with declining rates of melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and prostate cancer in men under 50 over the roughly 20-year period.
Reasons for the Trend Unknown
The reasons for the trend aren’t known, but doctors have raised factors such as alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and diets high in ultra-processed foods as some potential factors.
Cancer Rates Overall
The report highlights that the cancer burden is shifting from men to women in the United States — narrowing the gap between the sexes — as well as from older to younger adults. The report predicts that 2,041,910 cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, slightly more than last year’s prediction.
Mortality Rate from Cancer
More cancer cases doesn’t mean more deaths, however: The mortality rate from cancer fell 34% from 1991 to 2022, the report says. It attributes the positive news to earlier detection of some cancers, better treatment options, and decreases in smoking.
Doctors’ Insights
Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society, said, “Here’s the bottom line: We’ve got more cancers overall, particularly those in younger people, and particularly those in women.” Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society, added, “For the first time, if you’re a woman under the age of 65 you have a greater chance of developing lung cancer than a man.”
Conclusion
The report highlights the importance of lifestyle factors in reducing the risk of cancer. Doctors emphasized that lots can be done to prevent new cancer cases, and that the average person knows the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyle to reduce heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. Now, we really need to be talking about the clear connection between those behaviors and cancer.
FAQs
Q: Why are cancer cases shifting from men to women and from older to younger adults?
A: The reasons for the trend aren’t known, but doctors have raised factors such as alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and diets high in ultra-processed foods as some potential factors.
Q: What are some lifestyle factors that increase cancer risk?
A: Several doctors suggested the trend might have to do with lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and diets high in ultra-processed foods, all of which increase cancer risk.
Q: What is the mortality rate from cancer?
A: The mortality rate from cancer fell 34% from 1991 to 2022, the report says. It attributes the positive news to earlier detection of some cancers, better treatment options, and decreases in smoking.
