The study suggests underlying sex differences play a bigger role.
But nobody is surprised that these sex differences exist.
How Much More Likely Are Men to Get Cancer?
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Of the organs studied, only the thyroid and gallbladder showed higher cancer rates among women.
What Causes the Difference?
Factors such as sex-related biological mechanisms may play a role, as can immunologic and genetic differences.
Higher levels of testosterone levels, which promote cell growth, may also make a difference.
Jackson and Brawley each highlighted the impact of X and Y chromosomes.
The X chromosome contains several tumor suppressor genes, Jackson said.
Even body size matters, she added.
Height has been associated with increase risk of a few cancers, Jackson said.
But larger people have more cells that could potentially become cancerous.
Larger people, especially those who are overweight orprediabetic, have more circulating insulin, Brawley added.
Insulin can promote the growth of blood vessels that a tumor needs to grow.
What Can We Do With This Information?
2022;128(19):3531-3540. doi:10.1002/cncr.34390
