Global burden inequality in lifetime risk of penile, prostate, and testicular cancers: a population-based systematic analysis of GLOBOCAN 2022

The global burden of male genital cancers (MGCs, including penile, prostate, and testicular cancers) has doubled over the past few decades. This study aimed to evaluate MGCs burden and its inequalities in 185 countries from a lifetime risk perspective and compare lifetime risk with traditional indicator of 0–74 cumulative risk. Based on the GLOBOCAN 2022, lifetime risks were estimated using the adjusted multiple primary method. The concentration index was used to evaluate inequalities in MGCs burden and health resources across the Human Development Index (HDI). Marked geographical and socioeconomic disparities in MGCs burden were observed. In 2022, the lifetime incidence and mortality risks of MGCs were 4.250% and 1.358%, respectively, with the highest in Northern Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and Western Europe, and the lowest in Africa. Concentration indices revealed that MGCs burden was disproportionately concentrated in high HDI countries, potentially attributable to disparities in health resource allocation. Compared with lifetime risk, 0–74 cumulative risk underestimated inequalities in MGCs burden, especially for late-onset penile and prostate cancers. Inequalities in MGCs burden might arise from socioeconomic and health resource inequalities. More health actions targeting MGCs burden inequalities and promoting the updated lifetime risk indicator need to be implemented.