Health · Medical Research · 6 hrs ago
Some cancer diagnoses are rising among people under 50
A World Cancer Research Fund analysis found increases in several cancers among people under 50 in the United States, the Netherlands and England.
It tracked 12 cancer types over periods from 2000 or 2001 to 2023.
Colorectal cancer cases rose among men and women in all three countries, while other increases varied by country and sex.
Age remains the main risk factor, and the findings do not mean cancer is common among young people.
Possible contributors include changes in activity, diet and weight, while some younger people may delay seeking care because they associate cancer with older age.
The analysis points to prevention and early detection as ways to reduce cancer risks and improve outcomes.
Health authorities recommend measures such as vaccination, screening, healthier habits and reducing tobacco and alcohol use; early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of a cure.
Cancer diagnoses among people under 50 increased over recent decades, according to an analysis published by the World Cancer Research Fund.
The analysis tracked 12 cancer types in the United States, the Netherlands and England.
Colorectal cancer diagnoses rose among men and women in all three countries, as did kidney and liver cancer.
Researchers said several factors may contribute, including low physical activity, fast food and sugary drinks that can contribute to excess weight.
The increase does not mean cancer has become common among younger people; age remains the main risk factor.
- Who
- People under 50 in the United States, the Netherlands and England.
- What
- Diagnoses of some cancers have risen over recent decades, according to an analysis of 12 cancer types.
- When
- The analysis covered 2000 to 2023 in the United States and the Netherlands, and 2001 to 2023 in England. It was published the week before October 18, 2026.
- Where
- The United States, the Netherlands and England.
- Why
- Several factors may contribute, including behavioral changes linked to overweight and obesity. Younger people may also be less familiar with cancer warning signs and delay seeking medical care.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The analysis tracked 12 cancer types in the United States and the Netherlands.
The analysis tracked the cancer types in England.
The World Cancer Research Fund analysis was published.
- Cancer types analyzed
- 12
- United States and Netherlands data
- 2000–2023
- England data
- 2001–2023
- Countries covered
- United States, Netherlands and England
- Common increases across all three countries
- Colorectal cancer among men and women; kidney and liver cancer