Gender differences in cancer epidemiology in Italy, 2013-2017

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Global data consistently show higher cancer incidence and mortality in men for most non-sex-specific cancers.
• However, detailed patterns of these gender disparities in Italy across cancer types, age groups, and regions are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender differences in cancer incidence, mortality, and survival across various cancer sites, age groups, and geographical areas in Italy.
• To analyze the geographical variability of these cancer disparities within Italy.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of population-based cancer registry data from the AIRTUM network, covering 1,359,053 cancer cases diagnosed between 2013 and 2017.
• Stratification of data by age groups (0-49, 50-69, ≥70 years) and geographic macro-areas (North, Centre, South & Islands).
• Assessment of five-year net survival differences between men and women.

Main Results:

• Overall cancer incidence was significantly higher in men (M/F IRR 1.38), increasing to 1.90 when excluding breast cancer.
• Male predominance was noted in 29 of 30 cancer sites, particularly laryngeal, bladder, mesothelioma, and lung cancers; thyroid cancer was more common in women.
• Incidence gender gaps were more pronounced in the South & Islands compared to the North and Centre. Women demonstrated higher five-year survival rates for most major cancers.

Conclusions:

• Men in Italy experience a substantially higher cancer burden than women, with notable geographical variations in incidence.
• Women consistently achieve better cancer survival outcomes compared to men.
• Addressing these gender-based cancer disparities necessitates integrating a gender perspective into cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies.