Men are more likely than women to die from cancer, and new research published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention may help explain why.
The US study found that men were more likely than women to be diagnosed with advanced-stage disease across 20 non-reproductive cancer types.
The lead researcher said cancer stage at diagnosis is one of the strongest predictors of survival. In general, the more advanced the cancer when it is diagnosed, the worse the patient's prognosis.
Researchers analysed the stage at diagnosis for 2.4 million cancer cases, comparing localised cancers that remained at their site of origin with those that had spread to nearby lymph nodes (regional) or other organs (distant). Sex-specific cancers, such as prostate and ovarian cancers, were excluded. Regional and distant cancers were classified as late-stage disease.
Men were more likely than women to be diagnosed with regional-stage disease in 16 cancer types, with the largest disparities seen in tongue cancer (151 per cent), salivary gland cancer (93 per cent), oropharyngeal cancer (80 per cent), thyroid cancer (74 per cent), and stomach cancer (67 per cent).
They were also more likely to be diagnosed with distant-stage disease in 17 cancer types, including tongue cancer (134 per cent), thyroid cancer (128 per cent), salivary gland cancer (97 per cent), stomach cancer (56 per cent), and melanoma (50 per cent).
Men were less likely than women to be diagnosed at a later stage for only a few cancers, including cancers of the larynx, bladder, anus and liver.
Researchers said the differences may be due to lower screening rates, men being less likely to seek medical care, or differences in how cancer symptoms are recognised and evaluated.
The findings highlight the importance of regular checkups and seeking medical attention promptly if you notice unusual symptoms, as early detection can improve treatment outcomes.
“My overall message is that everyone should go to the doctor regularly. Don’t delay seeing a doctor if you notice something has changed in your body,” the study author advised.
