(Xinhuanet) — Men are almost 40 percent more likely than women to die from cancer, according to a new research report published Monday.
Men are also about 70 percent more likely to be killed by cancers that affect both sexes, such as stomach, bowel and liver cancer, researchers say. Men are also far more likely to develop the disease in the first place.
The report is published by the National Cancer Intelligence Network and Cancer Research UK to mark Men’s Health Week, which starts Monday.
It looked at the number of cancer deaths in the UK in 2007 and the number of new cases of the disease in 2006, broken down by type.
Researchers had expected men and women to be roughly equally as likely to develop and die from cancers that affect both sexes.
Author Professor David Forman said there is ‘no known biological reason’ why men should be more likely to develop cancer and die. But the researchers suggested that ‘stereotypical’ male behaviours — such as down-playing early symptoms, not visiting the doctor and having more unhealthy lifestyles — could be to blame.
‘What we see from this report could be a reflection of this attitude, meaning men are less likely to make lifestyle changes that could reduce their risk of the disease and less likely to go to their doctor with cancer symptoms,’ said Forman.
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