Australian men have highest cancer rates: Study

New research has projected that men’s cancer rates globally are set to climb 84% by 2050, with Australia currently at the top of the list in terms of prevalence.
 
The study looked at 30 cancer types in men using population-based estimates from 185 countries and found Australia has the highest incident rate of cancer, with 514.3 cases per 100,000.
 
However, it did find that Australians fare much better when it comes to cancer-related deaths, and highlighted geographical disparities in incidences and mortality.
 
‘There was a wide disparity (three-fold variation) in the mortality-to-incidence ratios between countries/territories worldwide, ranging from 28.0% in Norway to 86.6% in The Gambia,’ the study reads.
 
Associate Professor Joel Rhee, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests – Cancer and Palliative Care, said the causes for the higher rates in Australian men are likely multifactorial.
 
‘One significant factor could be the efficacy of our cancer data collection systems … we are good at capturing cancer incidence data, through our comprehensive cancer registries,’ he told newsGP.
 
‘The ageing population is a significant contributor to the projected rise in incidence rates, and the high incidence already seen in developed countries.
 
‘Another important factor that affects Australia and other developed countries, is the impact of lifestyle factors such as obesity, metabolic diseases, inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, smoking, and harmful alcohol consumption.’
 
Associate Professor Rhee said the mortality-to-incidence ratio for Australia, however, is notably one of the lowest in the world.
 
‘Which suggests that while incidence rates are high, our healthcare system is also very effective in screening, detecting, and treating cancer,’ he said.
 
Between 2022–50, the research forecasts, cancer cases globally will increase from 10.3 million to 19 million (84%) and deaths are projected to climb from 5.4 million to 10.5 million (93%).
 
Lung cancer is projected to remain the leading cancer type for both cases and deaths by 2050.
 
‘This study contributes to global cancer statistics for men, who have no male cancer-specific screening programs, e.g. prostate cancer, and have a higher prevalence of occupational and other modifiable cancer risk factors, which contribute to higher observed cancer incidence and poorer outcomes,’ the study authors note.
 
‘Enhancing health infrastructure, access, and quality through a coordinated, multisectoral approach and national and international collaboration is essential to improve current cancer outcomes in men and to prepare for the anticipated rise in cancer burden.’
 
Australia currently has no national screening program for prostate cancer.
 
The RACGP is currently updating its patient information sheet, ‘Should I have prostate cancer screening?’, which is due to be available late 2024. 
 
Although there ‘is little GPs can do’ about the ageing population, Dr Rhee says they can ‘guide men towards healthier lifestyles’.
 
‘Encourage participation in screening programs, and educate them about familial cancer risks,’ he said.
 
‘GPs are also crucial in community health promotion and in leading men’s health initiatives.’
 
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