A new study led by the American Cancer Society has pointed out an alarming trend in the incidence of cancer among men. This research found that new, worldwide cancer cases in men are projected to rise by 84% between now and 2050. This evidence also states that the amount of cancer deaths in men is expected to skyrocket by 93% in the same time frame.
How much of an increase?
When compared to existing cancer cases, this amounts to 8.7 million new cancer diagnoses in men alone. There is an even sharper increase in predicted cancer deaths (5.1 million). This study also posited that lung cancer will be the culprit in many of these new cases – not only as the most frequently occurring cancer in men but also as the leading cause of male cancer deaths. As it stands, the most common cancer in men is prostate cancer, so insurers and members alike need to be aware of this shift.
Cancer risk remediation will be crucial
A person’s habits play a large part in determining their cancer risk, so factors such as smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and chemical exposure in the workplace are all taken into consideration. These criteria apply to males at a higher rate than they do women, which partly explains the disparity between genders. Since the risk of cancer also increases steadily with age, it’s no surprise that men over the age of 65 are likely to face the highest risk.
What else can be done?
This new information comes around the same time as price cuts on several major prescription medications, which means the population may have an easier time affording medication for cancer treatment along with other chronic conditions. New medication pricing is expected to save Medicare subscribers around $1.5 billion and other Americans up to $6 billion on out-of-pocket payments for prescription drug costs.
While these new cost guidelines will not go into effect until 2026, there are steps insurers can take to encourage preventive efforts in the meantime:
- Encourage members to schedule regular visits with their primary care providers and stay up-to-date on health screenings.
- Increase education regarding general cancer prevention through written, video, and interactive content to improve access for all members.
- Incentivize participation in smoking cessation and physical exercise programs.
- Spread awareness about the harm of secondhand smoke and hazardous chemical exposure in the home and workplace.