The National Cancer Institute study looked at 35 different types of cancer from 1977 to 2006.
For example, with lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death for both sexes, the research found 2.3 male deaths for each female death.
Men are considered more at risk for developing cancer to begin with and they tend to have advanced disease when it is detected.
Gender differences in exposure to carcinogens including tobacco smoke and viral infections may also play a role in the disparity.
