Analysis by Cancer Research UK of NHS data from the past 50 years revealed some positive news: deaths from cancer have decreased by over a fifth. However, there are also some alarming statistics, as the number of people being diagnosed with cancer has risen by 50%.
This increase disproportionately affects young people, defined here as those under 50. Among the 20-49 age group alone, cancer rates have surged by 23% since the 1990s. Scientists are still working to understand why young people are being so severely impacted. However, they have identified some likely factors; obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity.
A separate study focusing on the rise of colon cancer specifically in young people found that more than a third of their participants were obese.
Speaking at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago, Dr Jessica Paulus noted that obesity rates are much higher in early-onset cancer patients than in those who develop cancers at the ‘average age’.
She commented to Oncology News Central: “We know that the worst thing for survival is advanced-stage diagnosis. Screening is really important for all patients, but we’re seeing this disparity in stage at diagnosis for the younger patients.”
The food we eat may also play a role in the increasing number of young people developing cancer. Professor Neil Iyengar of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York told Mail Online: “Our microbiome is exquisitely sensitive to what we eat.
“If microplastics or chemicals are shifting the microbiome, that could be contributing. It’s never too early to start good eating and exercise patterns.”
He also highlighted the potential risks associated with certain beverages, noting that while many people are aware of the drawbacks of ultra-processed and high-sugar foods, they may overlook these same characteristics in their drinks.
Interestingly, one common habit linked to cancer that is unlikely to be driving the rise in cases among young patients is smoking. Experts have observed a decline in smoking-related cancers across nearly all age groups.
Despite the growing number of cases among young people, Cancer Research UK’s latest report highlights that we are currently in a “golden age” of progress in diagnosis and treatment, with one in two diagnosed patients expected to survive for at least 10 years.
This marks a significant improvement from the 1970s, when only one in four patients were expected to reach this milestone. Researchers continue to work towards further advancements.