Cancer rates increasing in young people globally.
Cancer rates increasing in young people globally.
Rising Cancer Cases in People Under 50: A Global Concern
Cancer is on the rise among individuals under 50 years old, signaling a concerning global trend. A new study published in BMJ Oncology reveals that over the past three decades, new cancer cases have increased by a staggering 79% in this age group worldwide[^1^]. While cancer has traditionally been more common in older individuals, cases among those under 50 have been steadily rising since the 1990s[^1^]. The study draws on data from the Global Burden of Disease database, which includes information on 29 different types of cancer in 204 countries and regions[^1^].
The Alarming Statistics and Rising Trends
According to the study, the fastest-growing cancers among people under 50 are those affecting the windpipe and prostate[^1^]. Additionally, the researchers found that the majority of deaths in this age group resulted from breast, windpipe, lung, bowel, and stomach cancers[^1^]. The number of new early-onset cancer cases is projected to increase by 31% and deaths by 21% by 2030 globally[^1^].
Breast cancer accounted for the largest number of new cancer cases and associated deaths among individuals under 50 in 2019[^1^]. The study also highlighted the rise of windpipe (nasopharynx) and prostate cancers between 1990 and 2019, while liver cancer showed a slight decline[^1^].
Regional Differences in Impact
The impact of early-onset cancer is not limited to high-income countries alone. The highest rates of early-onset cancers in 2019 were observed in North America, Australasia, and Western Europe[^1^]. However, low- to middle-income countries also experienced significant effects, particularly in Oceania, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, which recorded the highest death rates among individuals under 50[^1^]. Interestingly, the study noted that early-onset cancer had a greater impact on women than men in terms of subsequent poor health and deaths in low- to middle-income countries[^1^].
Causes and Risk Factors
While genetics plays a role in the increasing cancer rate, several modifiable factors also contribute to the surge. The researchers identified diets high in red meat and salt, low fruit and milk consumption, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use as the primary risk factors for cancer in those under 50[^1^]. Additionally, physical inactivity, obesity, and high blood sugar were noted as contributing factors[^1^].
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Urgent Need for Prevention and Holistic Care
The findings of this study emphasize the urgency of implementing prevention and early detection measures for early-onset cancers[^1^]. Dr. Ashleigh Hamilton and colleagues at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, wrote in a journal editorial that optimal treatment strategies for early-onset cancers must also be identified[^1^]. They stressed the importance of holistic approaches that address the unique supportive care needs of younger patients[^1^].
The rising rates of cancer among individuals under 50 highlight the necessity of raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and regular screenings, regardless of age. By adopting healthier dietary habits, refraining from tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a physically active lifestyle, and attending regular medical check-ups, individuals can take proactive steps towards reducing their cancer risk at any age.
Sourced from: BMJ Oncology
