Age and sex differences in the global cancer burden

The purpose of this study is to describe the 2022 cancer burden by sex and age group globally, as well as by world region.

We utilized GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates to quantify overall and cancer-specific incidence and mortality using counts and age-standardized rates (ASRs; per 100,000) simultaneously stratified by sex and age bands (0-14, 15-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 + years), globally and by world region.

In 2022, an estimated 18.7 million cases (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths occurred globally, of which 51 and 56%, respectively, occurred in males. Cases increased with age, peaking at 60-69, while cancer-related deaths peaked at 70-79. Females had higher burdens in age bands spanning 30-59, driven by female-specific cancers, whereas males dominated in older age groups primarily due to lung and prostate cancers. Regional patterns varied considerably. In parts of Africa and Asia, nearly half of female cases occurred before age 50, contrasting with Europe, North America, and Australia/New Zealand, where cases were concentrated at older ages. Mortality patterns often mirrored incidence but were disproportionately high in transitioning regions and younger age bands, indicating a greater adverse impact of limited access to early detection and treatment. Finally, regional cancer hotspots were identified and discussed.

These findings serve as a reference for the global cancer community to guide future research and inform cancer control initiatives, highlighting the need for age- and sex-specific, and regionally tailored strategies.