Cases of seven types of cancer have risen sharply among younger people in England, according to major new research, which warns that lifestyle choices are costing thousands of lives each year. The number of people under 50 diagnosed with prostate cancer in England has quadrupled since 2001, while early onset bowel, kidney and uterine cancer diagnoses have more than doubled.
An analysis of English, US and Dutch cancer data by the World Cancer Research Fund identified “significant increases” in early onset cancers for seven cancer types in England, five in the US and four in the Netherlands. Although cancer has been increasing across all age groups globally, the rate of increase in early onset cases is greater than in other age groups.
Experts said the figures reflected the growing global obesity epidemic, poor diets and insufficient exercise, as well as growing awareness of cancer and earlier diagnosis. Cancer among the under-50s is still uncommon, with the median age at diagnosis above 60, but the trend is worrying, the authors noted.
Commenting on the findings, Mark Lawler, professor of digital health and chair in translational cancer genomics at Queen’s University Belfast, called the problem “a ticking timebomb that we need to [defuse] as quickly as possible, otherwise the numbers will undoubtedly continue to grow”. He added: “The overall trend is also particularly worrying as it comes on the backdrop of lifestyle factors contributing to thousands of deaths.”
In England, of the 12 tumour types studied, incidence rates of prostate cancer among men under 50 jumped from one in every 100,000 people in 2001 to 3.6 in every 100,000 in 2023. Over the same period, rates of bowel cancer among the under-50s leapt from 3.9 in 100,000 people in 2001 to 8.4 in 100,000 in 2023, while early onset uterine and kidney cancers also doubled to 3.9 and 3 per 100,000 people respectively. The rate of breast cancer among the under-50s increased, albeit less sharply, from 42 to 47.5 per 100,000 in 2023, while there were also increases in the incidence of early onset pancreatic and liver cancers.
In the US, an analysis of official data since 2000 found that among patients under 50, incidence rates of kidney cancer more than doubled from 2.5 in 100,000 people in 2000 to 5.3 in 2023, while bowel, uterine and pancreatic cancers all increased by more than 50% and breast cancer by about 20%.
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For the Netherlands, the researchers found significant increases in early onset bowel, kidney, liver and cervical cancers. In contrast, rates of lung cancer among the under-50s declined in all three countries, reflecting continuing declines in smoking in those countries.
Dr Giota Mitrou, the executive director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), called the trajectory “concerning”, and added: “Behind every figure is a person facing cancer earlier than they, their family and often their doctor would expect. While cancer is still much more common in older adults, these changing patterns among younger generations need to be treated as a serious research and cancer prevention priority.”
WCRF said risk factors such as growing obesity levels, poor diet, insufficient exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking and environmental exposures (such as pollutants, chemicals, plastics, water and air pollution) could be contributing to the trend. About 40% of cancers are linked to these kinds of modifiable risks. However, greater awareness of cancer symptoms also means that people are more likely to be diagnosed earlier.
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“While we don’t completely understand why more cancers are occurring in people under 50 years of age, it is likely that risk factors related to cancer – for example, overweight and obesity, diet, alcohol, consumpti“Diet, weight, and smoking all play a role,” said Dr Vanessa Gordon-Dseagu, research translation manager at WCRF. “At the same time, the public are more aware of cancer risk factors and the signs and symptoms to watch for, so they are more likely to seek medical help when they notice them.” While more cancers are being caught earlier, “increased diagnosis does not explain the whole story, and more research is needed to understand early-onset cancers,” she added. King’s College London has announced a new trial of 250,000 people, funded by Cancer Research UK, to investigate the rise in bowel cancer among younger adults. The study aims to better understand how much of the increase is due to worsening risk factors versus better detection. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “These findings show why early diagnosis is central to our national cancer plan. To help catch cancer sooner, we are investing in new technologies to speed up diagnosis, expanding genetic testing, and supporting research to better understand what causes cancer and who may be most at risk. We are also prioritising research into less survivable and rarer cancers, and our goal is for three-quarters of people diagnosed by 2035 to be cancer-free or living well with cancer, saving 320,000 lives. Our newly announced national cancer board has a specific representative for children and young people, as we know how devastating it is to get cancer earlier in life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Rising Cancer Rates Among Younger People
1 What does it mean that cancer rates are rising in younger people
It means more people under 50 some studies focus on those under 40 are being diagnosed with cancer now than in past decades The increase is small but steady in many countries
2 Which cancers are increasing in young adults
The clearest rises are in breast colorectal thyroid kidney pancreatic and some blood cancers Colorectal cancer in people under 50 is one of the most talkedabout examples
3 Is this happening everywhere
Its been reported in many countries including the US UK Canada Australia and parts of Asia and Europe Rates and patterns differ by country and cancer type
4 Why is this happening
No one knows for sure Researchers point to a mix of factors obesity diet alcohol smoking less physical activity changes in gut bacteria and possibly environmental exposures Its likely many causes not one
5 Can genetics explain it
Only partly Inherited gene mutations cause some early cancers but they dont explain the overall trend since genes dont change this fast across a population
6 Is it just better screening and detection
Screening explains some of it but not all Many young people arent screened at all yet their cancer rates are still climbing so real increases are likely happening
7 What symptoms should young people watch for
Warning signs include unexplained weight loss blood in stool or urine lumps persistent pain unusual bleeding lasting fatigue or changes in bowel habits Most symptoms arent cancer but lasting ones should be checked
8 When should I see a doctor
If a symptom lasts more than two to three weeks or gets worse see a doctor Dont wait just because youre young
9 Are young peoples cancers treated differently
Often yes Younger patients may get more aggressive treatment and doctors also consider fertility career and longterm side effects Care is usually tailored to the person
10 Does this mean Ill get cancer young
No The risk for any one person is still low The trend is about populations not predictions for individuals
11 What can I do to lower my risk
Eat more fiber and less processed meat limit
