Key facts
- Seven types of cancer have seen sharp increases in early onset cases in England.
- Prostate cancer diagnoses in under-50s in England quadrupled since 2001.
- Bowel cancer rates in under-50s in England rose from 3.9 to 8.4 per 100,000 between 2001 and 2023.
- International study found significant increases in early onset cancers in England, US, and Netherlands.
- Experts link rising early onset cancer rates to lifestyle factors like obesity and poor diet.
Cases of seven types of cancer have risen sharply among younger people in England, with significant increases also observed in the US and the Netherlands, according to new international research. The study, which analyzed data from these countries, found that the rate of rise in early onset cancers is greater than in older age groups.
In England, the number of people under 50 diagnosed with prostate cancer has quadrupled since 2001, while early onset bowel, kidney, and uterine cancer diagnoses more than doubled. Specifically, prostate cancer rates among men under 50 jumped from one in 100,000 in 2001 to 3.6 in 100,000 in 2023. Bowel cancer rates for the same age group rose from 3.9 to 8.4 per 100,000, and uterine and kidney cancers increased to 3.9 and 3 per 100,000 respectively. Breast cancer rates also saw a slight increase.
In the US, kidney cancer incidence in those under 50 more than doubled from 2.5 to 5.3 per 100,000 between 2000 and 2023, with bowel, uterine, and pancreatic cancers increasing by over 50%, and breast cancer by about 20%. The Netherlands also reported significant increases in early onset bowel, kidney, liver, and cervical cancers.
Experts attribute these trends to growing global obesity epidemics, poor diets, insufficient exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, and environmental exposures, which collectively account for about 40% of cancers. While cancer remains more common in older adults, the authors noted the trend is worrying and requires urgent attention. Increased awareness and earlier diagnosis also contribute to the higher reported numbers.
In contrast, lung cancer rates among the under-50s declined in all three countries, attributed to ongoing reductions in smoking. King's College London has launched a new trial to investigate the rise in bowel cancer cases among younger adults, aiming to understand the balance between risk factors and detection. A UK Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson emphasized the government's commitment to early diagnosis through investments in new technologies and research.