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Gender Oncology: Rethinking Cancer Through a Sex- and Gender-Based Lens
Rossana Berardi1, Carolina Liguori1, Francesca Rossi1
1Department of Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Gender medicine in oncology reveals sex-based differences in cancer incidence and treatment response. Integrating these insights is crucial for personalized cancer care and reducing health disparities.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gender Medicine
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Gender medicine acknowledges biological sex, gender identity, and sociocultural roles influencing health and disease.
- Sex-based differences in cancer incidence, treatment response, and adverse events are increasingly recognized in oncology.
- A comprehensive approach must include sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of gender medicine in oncology.
- To emphasize its importance, discuss challenges, and propose future directions.
- To highlight sex-based differences in cancer epidemiology and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized AIRTUM and GLOBOCAN databases for epidemiological data on gender differences in cancer.
- Conducted a narrative literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE for papers on gender differences in cancer treatment (2022-2025).
Main Results:
- Men exhibit higher cancer incidence and mortality rates globally.
- Women show potentially smaller survival benefits from immunotherapy alone but greater benefits with combination therapy.
- Women experience higher rates of treatment-related toxicities due to sex-specific pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic differences.
Conclusions:
- Integrating sex and gender perspectives is essential for personalized oncology and improved patient care.
- Understanding biological differences can optimize treatment selection, dosing, efficacy, and minimize adverse effects.
- Addressing gender-related factors can enhance psychosocial support, well-being, and treatment adherence, requiring coordinated research and policy efforts.
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