Sex (Being Male or Female)

A person’s sex (being male or female) can be a risk factor for developing cancer. Some types of cancer occur more often in men, while other cancers are more common in women. Overall, men have a higher incidence and a slightly higher lifetime risk of developing cancer than women.

More men than women are diagnosed with a new cancer, but the gap between the sexes has narrowed in recent years. In Canada, 52% of all new cases and deaths due to cancer occur in men compared to 48% in women.

Cancer in children

Overall, childhood cancers also occur slightly more often in males than in females.

References

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If you are outside Canada

We can give information about cancer care and support services in Canada only. To find a cancer organization in your country, visit Union for International Cancer Control or International Cancer Information Service Group.