Why Are Men More Susceptible to CANCER Than Women?
For decades, doctors have noted that men
have a higher risk to develop cancer than women. Men have a one in two
chance of getting a cancer diagnosis, whereas women have a one in three
chance - says the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Even when you exclude
lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol, men are still more likely
to suffer from most types of cancers.
What makes men more susceptible to cancer than women? Recent research
suggests that a variety of factors, including hormones, genetics, and
differences in the immune system are involved. Read on for details.
Cancer Risks Differ in Men and Women
Previously, most differences in cancer
risks were attributed to bad habits and lifestyle choices. But a recent
long-term observational study at the National Cancer Institute reveals
that underlying sex differences in men and women play a bigger role than
previously thought. For instance, even with smoking and drinking ruled
out, men have a 10.8 times higher risk of esophageal cancer than women.
Cancer Risks Compared
The researchers examined the data from the National Institutes of
Health-AARP Diet and Health Study, which continued from 1995 to 2011.
There were 171,274 male and 122,826 female participants in the age range
of 50-71 years. The study examined 21 types of cancer that occur in
organs shared by both men and women, including:
Lungs,
Thyroid,
Liver,
Pancreas,
Skin,
Kidneys and bladder
Gallbladder
Head and throat - larynx, neck, mouth, esophagus, and oropharynx
(back of the throat)
GI tract, including the stomach, rectum, anus, colon, gastric
cardia, and biliary tract.