When it comes to cancer, statistics show that men tend to have higher incidence rates compared to women, but what’s behind this discrepancy?
Research from the National Cancer Institute delves into the reasons, often linking them to lifestyle choices.
This investigation scrutinized cancer incidence data for 21 different types of cancers affecting both men and women. Participants involved in the study were part of the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study, which spanned from 1995 to 2011.
Among the 171,274 men and 122,826 women, aged 50 to 71, enrolled in this extensive study, 17,951 new cancer cases emerged in men, while 8,742 were reported in women. The study uncovered specific cancers that exhibited significantly higher incidence rates in men:
– Esophageal adenocarcinoma: A staggering 10.8 times higher in men
– Laryngeal cancer: 3.5 times higher in men
– Gastric cardia cancer: 3.5 times higher in men
– Bladder cancer: 3.3 times higher in men
Moreover, men also exhibited elevated rates of cancers affecting the liver, biliary tract, skin, colon, rectum, and lungs. Only the thyroid and gallbladder showcased higher cancer rates among women among the organs examined.
What Causes the Difference?
But what are the underlying causes of these disparities? While researchers have made strides in understanding cancer, the specific reasons why men are more prone to various cancers remain largely unexplained. Factors such as sex-related biological mechanisms, immune responses, and genetic differences may all contribute to these variations.
One possible factor is the hormonal balance; men tend to have lower levels of estrogen and progesterone, which could reduce their risk of certain cancers. Conversely, higher testosterone levels, which encourage cell growth, might play a role in this gender difference.
Interestingly, even one’s physical stature may come into play. “Height has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers,” noted the researcher. This correlation could be because taller individuals have more cells than their shorter counterparts, or height could serve as an indicator of growth hormone levels.
