A recent study indicates that men undergo fewer genetic tests for inherited cancer syndromes compared to women, despite a higher likelihood of positive results.

This situation represents a problem in the surveillance and prediction of cancer risk among men.

The study, published in Frontiers in Oncology, reveals that, despite the lower number of tests performed, men have a 14% positivity rate for pathogenic variants, compared to 8% in women. This suggests that many men are diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease.

Men get tested after being diagnosed

Men are often referred for testing following a cancer diagnosis, while women are provided with more proactive referral routes through specific health services.

Additionally, the lack of specific testing guidelines for men contributes to lower use of these preventive tools.

The researchers suggest improving hereditary cancer risk assessment tools aimed at men, as well as increasing awareness among health professionals. Investing in this area could transform early detection rates and, consequently, male cancer health outcomes.

Risks associated with a late diagnosis

Late diagnosis of cancer in men increases the risk of disease progression, limits treatment options and reduces survival, especially in cancers such as prostate cancer. It can also require more aggressive treatments, cause more complications, and worsen quality of life.

Main risks

In men, especially

In men, a major concern is prostate cancer, which may have no symptoms at first and be detected when it is already advanced. In this phase, signs such as difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or pain in the back, hip or pelvis usually appear.

Why it matters

Detecting cancer early changes the prognosis a lot: it allows for less invasive treatments, more chances of control and, in some cases, cure. Therefore, if there are persistent symptoms or risk factors, it is advisable to seek early medical evaluation.