Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mortality Burden of Male Genital Cancers in the US — 2004 vs. projections for 2050

With unprecedented growth in population aging and racial diversity, the mortality burden of male genital cancers (prostate, testicular, penile, and other male genital cancers) is expected to increase.

To compare racial/ethnic differences in mortality burden of male genital cancers in 2004 and 2050, we applied the life expectancy method to estimate years of potential life lost (YPLL) from male genital cancers and all malignant cancers using 2004 US life tables and national mortality data from NCHS. We projected age- and racial/ethnic-specific number of deaths through 2050 using 1999-2004 trends in death rates and 2008 census population demographic projections. We compared differences in the proportion of burden and relative risk of YPLL between non-Hispanic white and other racial/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic other) in 2004 and 2050.

YPLL due to male genital cancers is projected to be 1.0 million among American men in 2050, increasing from 0.3 million in 2004. The proportion of YPLL from genital cancers in non-Hispanic white men is projected to decrease from 75.8% in 2004 to 51.3% in 2050. It is projected to increase significantly among Hispanic (15.0% vs. 5.4%) and non-Hispanic black men (32.1% vs. 17.2%). Compared with non-Hispanic white men, the relative risk of YPLL from genital cancers is projected to increase significantly for non-Hispanic black men (1.3 to 1.8) and no significant changes are found among the other two groups.

Additional efforts are needed to reduce the burden of male genital cancers, especially among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic men.