A recent report highlights a shift in cancer rates in the United States, with more women and younger adults being diagnosed. For the first time, women between the ages of 50 and 64 have higher cancer rates than men, signaling a significant change.
While experts are still uncertain about the exact cause of this trend, they suggest several lifestyle factors, including alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and diets high in ultra-processed foods, may play a role. Cancer rates in younger women have also risen, especially in cases of breast and thyroid cancers, while certain cancers in men, like prostate and melanoma, have decreased.
The report also emphasizes that men and women are now almost equally at risk of developing cancer, a sharp change from 1992 when men had a 1.6 times higher risk. Dr. Arif Kamal from the American Cancer Society notes, “We’ve got more cancers overall, particularly in younger people and women.”
In addition, lung cancer rates have declined overall, but women’s rates have decreased more slowly than men’s, likely due to women historically taking up smoking later and quitting slower. Dr. William Dahut mentions that for the first time, women under 65 are more likely to develop lung cancer than men.
Despite the rising number of cancer cases, the report also reveals a significant drop in cancer mortality rates, which have decreased by 34% from 1991 to 2022. This decline is attributed to earlier detection, improved treatments, and a reduction in smoking rates. New therapies like immunotherapy and targeted treatments have played a major role in this improvement.
However, doctors warn that lifestyle factors like obesity are contributing to the rising cancer burden. Dr. Kamal explains that lifestyle choices, such as being overweight or consuming alcohol, are responsible for about half of cancer cases. Women are particularly affected, with obesity-related cancers increasing among younger women, including endometrial cancer.
Environmental factors, such as exposure to radon and air pollution, are also being considered as contributors to the changing cancer statistics. Dr. Neil Iyengar suggests that these environmental exposures may be catching up with cancer trends.
Experts agree that many cancer cases can be prevented by adopting healthier lifestyles. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking can significantly reduce cancer risks.
Read more:
- Prioritizing Women’s Health: Why It Matters For Global Well-Being?
- 5 Lifestyle & Regular Check-Ups To Improve Women’s Health
- Unlocking Women’s Health: The Power of All-in-One Multivitamins
