Cancer rates rising more quickly among younger people, international study finds
Researchers, who looked at UK, US and Dutch data, say lifestyle choices are costing thousands of lives a year
TL;DR
- Seven types of cancer have seen sharp increases among younger people in England.
- Prostate cancer diagnoses in those under 50 have quadrupled in England since 2001.
- Early onset bowel, kidney, and uterine cancer diagnoses have more than doubled in England.
- Similar significant increases in early onset cancers were identified in US and Dutch data.
- Experts link the trend to the global obesity epidemic, poor diets, and insufficient exercise.
- Lung cancer rates among the under 50s have declined in all three countries, attributed to reduced smoking.
- Increased awareness and earlier diagnosis also contribute to the observed rise in cancer cases.