Disparities in Cancer Incidence by Sex and Associated Lifestyle Factors and Health Conditions

Abstract

Key Points Question Given that cancer incidence is higher among males than among females globally, to what extent do modifiable lifestyle behaviors and health conditions contribute to this disparity by sex across diverse populations? Findings In this multicohort study of 589 766 adults in China and the UK, 11 measured factors jointly accounted for 84% of the male-female gap in non−sex-specific cancer incidence (183 cases per 100 000 person-years) in the Chinese population but only 26% (52 cases per 100 000 person-years) in the UK population. Meaning These findings suggest that the contribution of modifiable lifestyle behaviors and health conditions to the male-female cancer gap varies across populations, underscoring the need for population-specific prevention.