Why Cancer Rates Are Rising Among Young Adults
Cancer is increasingly affecting adults under 50, challenging the long-held view that it is a disease strictly of aging. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that between 2010 and 2019, 14 specific cancer types rose in incidence among people under 50 in the United States. While the total rate of all cancers and cancer deaths in this group did not increase, the data points to a concerning shift in health trends. Four specific cancers accounted for more than 80% of the additional cases diagnosed in 2019 compared to 2010. These included female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and uterine cancer.
Colorectal cancer rates have risen approximately 3% per year in adults ages 20 to 49 since the late 1990s, making it a leading cause of cancer death in people under 50. It is the only cancer type in the younger demographic where death rates have increased alongside diagnoses. For the other rising cancers, more diagnoses have not resulted in higher mortality rates. This discrepancy suggests that while the number of cases is growing, the survival rates for these specific conditions are improving. The rise in these particular malignancies has been noted globally, with a study in BMJ Oncology finding a 79% increase in early-onset cancer diagnoses between 1990 and 2019.
Related: Breast cancer frequently targets bones
While many assume a young cancer diagnosis implies a family history, the reality is often different. Most cases of early-onset cancer have no known hereditary cause. Inherited cancer syndromes account for roughly 10% to 20% of cancers diagnosed in younger adults. This means that even without a family history, a patient could still carry a genetic mutation. Experts emphasize that genetics are important, but they are not the primary driver for the majority of cases. The focus has shifted toward environmental and lifestyle factors that have become more prevalent in modern society.
What Is Driving Early-Onset Cancer?
Researchers have not identified a single cause for the increase, but they are focusing on lifestyle factors that have changed over the last few decades. Dr. Ketan Thanki, a colorectal surgeon at the MemorialCare Cancer Institute, notes that diets high in processed foods, alcohol use, environmental exposures, and sedentary habits may all contribute. Dr. Pashtoon Kasi, a medical director of GI medical oncology at City of Hope, agrees that multiple factors likely work together rather than a single cause being responsible. The gut microbiome is also currently being studied as a potential link between environmental changes and cancer development.
Related: Study finds chemo constipation impacts one in five
The shift in cancer profiles among younger people reflects broader changes in public health. We are seeing conditions that were once considered diseases of older age increasingly affecting younger adults, Dr. Thanki said. This trend extends beyond cancer to include heart disease and diabetes, suggesting a systemic change in how the population ages. While researchers continue to investigate the precise mechanisms, the correlation between rising rates and modern lifestyle factors is a primary area of focus. Prevention strategies often involve balancing nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing exposure to harmful substances, though experts acknowledge that consistently implementing these changes can be difficult.
Screening and Diagnosis Challenges
Screening recommendations have traditionally been set for people at average risk, often beginning at age 45 for colorectal cancer. However, guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommend starting screening at 45. Dr. Kasi advises that a strong family history or certain medical conditions might justify screening earlier than these standard age limits. He also points out that screening systems are often designed with older populations in mind, which can sometimes lead to younger adults being overlooked or diagnosed later than they should be.
Related: Boys Social Media Use Linked to ADHD
One of the significant hurdles in treating young patients is that cancers in this age group often present at an advanced stage. Because routine screening is not standard for younger adults, Dr. Kasi noted that these cancers tend to be advanced or metastatic by the time they are diagnosed. This is partly because patients and clinicians may not initially suspect cancer in someone under 50 with vague symptoms. The advice for younger adults is to listen to their bodies and seek medical evaluation for persistent symptoms that do not improve. Earlier evaluation can sometimes lead to earlier diagnosis, which is critical for effective treatment.
Healthscover reports that colorectal cancer frequently targets bones, a complication that can complicate the advanced stages of the disease. [1] Another complication often observed in patients undergoing aggressive treatment is constipation, which study finds chemo constipation impacts one in five. [2] Additionally, researchers have observed a correlation between heavy usage of social platforms and behavioral health issues, such as the link between boys social media use and ADHD. [3]
