Increase in cancer among people under 50 reported in England, US and Netherlands
Study finds higher rates of prostate, colorectal, kidney and uterine cancers among people under 50 and points to lifestyle and environmental drivers.
New international research shows a marked increase in several types of cancer among people under 50 in England, the United States and the Netherlands.
In England, cases of prostate cancer among younger men have increased fourfold since 2001, while cancers of the colon, kidney and uterus have more than doubled.
Researchers at the World Cancer Research Fund point to higher rates of overweight and obesity, unhealthy diets, insufficient physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking and greater exposure to pollution and chemicals as likely contributors to this trend.
Awareness, detection and unanswered questions
At the same time, experts say that improved awareness and earlier detection of disease also play a role in rising statistics. They caution that, although cancer remains much more common in older people, the increase among younger age groups requires further investigation and targeted prevention.
The United Kingdom has announced a major study that will recruit 250,000 participants to investigate the causes behind the rise in colorectal cancer among younger people.
Researchers and public-health officials say the combination of lifestyle changes, environmental exposures and screening practices must be examined in parallel to design effective prevention strategies aimed at younger generations.
Photo: press material from the event
