Cancer diagnoses among people under 50 have surged nearly 80% in three decades, with more than a million young adults now dying from the disease annually.
At a Glance
- Global early onset cancer cases rose from 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019, with cases projected to increase another 31% by 2030
- Breast cancer has the highest number of cases and deaths among under-50s, followed by colorectal, kidney, uterine, and pancreatic cancers
- Poor diet, alcohol, tobacco, physical inactivity, obesity, and genetic factors contribute to the alarming rise
- Recent guidelines have lowered recommended screening ages for breast and colorectal cancers in response to increasing rates in younger populations
- Despite rising incidence, overall cancer death rates in younger people have not increased, suggesting improvements in treatment
The Growing Crisis of Early Onset Cancer
The landscape of cancer diagnosis is shifting dramatically, with an alarming rise in cases among adults under 50. Research published in BMJ Oncology reveals that early onset cancer cases worldwide increased from 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019—a staggering 79% increase. During the same period, cancer deaths among adults in their 40s, 30s, or younger climbed by 27%, with over one million under-50s now dying from cancer annually. The study, led by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University School of Medicine, analyzed data from 204 countries covering 29 types of cancer.
The highest rates of early onset cancers were found in North America, Oceania, and western Europe. The impact is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where women are affected more than men. By 2030, researchers project early onset cancer cases will rise by an additional 31% and deaths by 21%, highlighting the urgent need for prevention strategies and improved detection methods.
Cancer Types Showing the Most Significant Increases
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that 14 cancer types showed increased incidence among people under 50 in the U.S. from 2010 to 2019. Breast cancer showed the largest absolute increase, followed by colorectal, kidney, uterine, and pancreatic cancers. Early onset windpipe and prostate cancers saw the fastest percentage increase, while liver cancer cases decreased. Five cancer types increased in incidence only among younger age groups: melanoma, cervical cancer, stomach cancer, myeloma, and cancers of the bones and joints.
Despite the troubling rise in diagnoses, there is some encouraging news: overall cancer death rates in younger adults have not increased. This suggests that while more cancers are being detected, treatments are becoming more effective. Additionally, advances in detection methods and changes in screening guidelines may be contributing to identifying more cases at younger ages.
Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies
The factors contributing to the rise in early onset cancers are complex and multifaceted. Researchers identified several key risk factors: diets high in red meat and salt but low in fruit and milk, alcohol and tobacco use, physical inactivity, excess weight, and high blood sugar. Rising obesity rates and changes in reproductive patterns, such as delayed childbirth, are also suggested as potential contributing factors. Genetic predisposition may play a role as well, although environmental and lifestyle factors appear to be predominant drivers.
In response to these trends, medical guidelines are evolving. For example, the recommended age for starting breast and colorectal cancer screenings has been lowered. Health experts emphasize the importance of awareness and early detection, particularly for younger individuals who may not perceive themselves as at risk. Public health initiatives focusing on healthier lifestyles, including improved diet, reduced alcohol and tobacco consumption, and increased physical activity, could significantly reduce the burden of early onset cancer.
