Does Gender Affect Cancer Risk?

Your biological sex affects your cancer risk more than you might think.

Your biological sex affects your cancer risk more than you might think. Although cancer can happen to anyone, studies show that men and women have different risks depending on the cancer type, and each has unique warning signs to watch for.

Men have a higher risk of several cancers, such as prostate, lung, colorectal, bladder, and liver cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the U.S., and although it often grows slowly, catching it early leads to better results. Men are also more likely to get bladder cancer, partly because of higher smoking rates and exposure to certain chemicals at work. Liver cancer affects men about twice as often as women, which researchers connect to more alcohol use and hepatitis infections among men. To lower your risk, it is important to quit smoking and only drink alcohol in moderation.

Women have their own higher risks, especially breast cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Ovarian and cervical cancers only affect women and can be hard to spot early because symptoms are often mild or confused with other issues. There are regular screenings, such as mammograms and Pap tests, that allow early detection. Women should begin getting Pap tests at age 21 and mammograms at age 40, if they have no additional risk factors. Thyroid cancer is also much more common in women, occurring nearly three times as often as in men.

Some cancers affect both men and women but act differently depending on gender. For example, lung cancer occurs in both, but studies show women who smoke are more likely to develop it than men who smoke the same amount. Differences in biology, hormones, and behavior all play a role in how cancer grows and changes.

Knowing the warning signs is an important step toward early detection of cancer. Men should watch for changes in urination, unexplained tiredness, blood in urine or stool, or unusual lumps. Women should be alert to changes in breast tissue, ongoing bloating or pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, or trouble swallowing. These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice them.

No matter your gender, keeping up with recommended screenings and talking openly with your healthcare provider are some of the best ways to find cancer early, when treatment works best. If you’re worried about your cancer risk or it’s time for a screening, reach out to the specialists at Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute to set up a consultation today.