Multinational population-based study of age and sex differentials in cancer incidence and mortality

In a multinational population-based study using data from IARCs Cancer Incidence in Five Continents for 2013-2017 (60 countries) and GLOBOCAN mortality 2022 (69 countries), authors estimated ages when the sex ratios in the total cancer burden peaked and reversed from a male to a female excess, or vice versa. Across all countries included, a common 4-period pattern was observed. For incidence, period 1 featured an early-life male excess up to age 21 years, followed by period 2 of female excess until age 59, and peaking at a F:M of 2.4:1 at age 41 years, then period 3 with a male excess peaking at M:F of 1.5:1 at age 73 years. Countries with long life expectancies experienced a 4^th period of female excess at age ≥ 85 years. These patterns were also present for mortality, but with a shorter period 2 duration (visual abstract).