Health · Medical Research · 1 hr ago
Studies find more cancer diagnoses among people under 50
Studies found rising rates of several cancers among people under 50 in multiple countries over recent decades.
In England, colorectal cancer diagnoses in this age group doubled between 2001 and 2023, reaching about one in every 12,000 people.
Research across 42 countries found increases among younger adults in six cancer types, while colorectal cancer rose faster among younger people than older people in about one-third of the countries studied.
It is unclear whether more people are developing cancer or whether greater awareness and earlier diagnosis are identifying more cases.
Researchers point to changing diets and more sedentary lifestyles as possible factors, and Brazil estimates 781,000 new cancer cases a year from 2026 to 2028.
Cancer remains uncommon among younger people, even as rates rise, and researchers say broader data are needed to understand the trend.
Cancer diagnoses have risen worldwide over the past 20 years, with increases reported particularly among people under 50.
A World Cancer Research Fund analysis found that new cases rose for seven types of cancer in England.
Among people under 50 in England, the rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses doubled between 2001 and 2023.
Studies also found increases in early-onset colorectal cancer in parts of Latin America and in several cancer types across many countries.
Researchers say it is unclear whether the rise reflects more disease or increased detection of earlier-stage cancers.
- Who
- People under 50, whose cancer diagnoses have risen in several studies.
- What
- Studies report increases in diagnoses of several cancers, including colorectal cancer. It is unclear whether this reflects more cases or increased detection.
- When
- Over the past 20 years; the England comparison covers 2001 to 2023.
- Where
- Worldwide, with findings covering England, the United States, the Netherlands, and other countries and territories.
- Why
- The reasons are not clear. Possible factors include greater awareness and earlier diagnosis, as well as changes in diet and more sedentary lifestyles.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
About one in 26,000 people under 50 in England received a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
A study comparing people aged 20–49 with those aged 50 and older found increases in six cancer types among younger adults in most of the 42 countries studied.
The records analyzed in a study of early-onset colorectal cancer covered data through this year.
The rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses among people under 50 in England was about one in 12,000.
Studies reporting on cancer trends among younger people were published.
- England colorectal cancer rate, 2001
- About 1 in 26,000 people under 50
- England colorectal cancer rate, 2023
- About 1 in 12,000 people under 50
- England cancer types with rising new cases
- 7
- Early-onset colorectal cancer increases
- 27 countries and territories
- Chile annual increase
- Nearly 4%
- Brazil estimated new cancer cases, 2026–2028
- 781,000 per year
What people are saying
Cancer is still very uncommon among young people. Three times a small number is still a small number.
It is the only cancer that seems to be increasing among young people while decreasing among older people.
Sources
Related news
Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery in Rome
Davina McCall describes severe memory loss after brain tumour surgery
Blocking an immune pathway protected brain tissue in mice with tau buildup
Study finds body changes begin years before the last menstrual period
Daily egg intake linked to lower Alzheimer’s risk in older adults
Science Corporation implants vision chip in first Stargardt disease patient
Two studies raise concerns about Ozempic, Mounjaro and hair and nails
Meat-derived sugar linked to higher diabetes risk in French study
Lola Weippert says doctors found a tumour in her right breast
Greater gut bacteria diversity linked to lower frailty in older women
A 30-Minute Hot Bath Lowered Blood Pressure More Than Cycling in a Small Study
