Who is More at Risk of Cancer: Men or Women?

The American Cancer Society's 2024 report highlights significant statistics and trends regarding cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. Here are the key insights:

General Statistics of Cancer 

  • Estimated New Cases: Over 2 million new cancer cases are expected in the U.S. in 2024, marking the first year the number has surpassed this milestone.

  • Estimated Deaths: Approximately 611,000 deaths from cancer are projected for 2024​ (Cancer Info Hub)​​ (Cancer Info Hub)​.

Top 3 Cancer Types by Gender:

For Men:

  1. Prostate Cancer:

    • Estimated new cases: 288,300

    • It accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in men.

  2. Lung and Bronchus Cancer:

    • Estimated new cases: 124,500

    • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men.

  3. Colorectal Cancer:

    • Estimated new cases: 80,750

For Women:

  1. Breast Cancer:

    • Estimated new cases: 298,600

    • Breast cancer represents 31% of all new cancer cases in women.

  2. Lung and Bronchus Cancer:

    • Estimated new cases: 116,660

    • Lung cancer is the second most common and the leading cause of cancer death in women.

  3. Colorectal Cancer:

    • Estimated new cases: 70,890

These top three cancers account for nearly half of all cancer cases in both men and women​ (Cancer Info Hub)​​ (American Cancer Society)​.

Key Trends:

  • Aging Population: The increase in cancer incidence is partly due to the aging and growing population.

  • Screening and Early Detection: For cancers like breast, prostate, colorectal, and cervical, early detection through screening can significantly improve outcomes. However, some cancers are increasing in incidence among specific subgroups, such as colorectal cancer in people under 55 and liver cancer in women​ (Cancer Info Hub)​.

Prevention and Risks:

  • Body Weight and Lifestyle: Obesity and lifestyle factors are linked to increased risks for several cancers, including endometrial, liver, kidney, pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancers.

  • HPV and Other Factors: HPV-related cancers (such as cervical and oropharyngeal cancers) are also on the rise in specific populations​ (Cancer Info Hub)​​ (American Cancer Society)​.

For more detailed statistics and information, you can visit theAmerican Cancer Society's Cancer Statistics Center and view their comprehensive2024 Cancer Facts & Figures report​ (Cancer Info Hub)​​ (American Cancer Society)​.

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