The number of under 50s being diagnosed with cancer worldwide has risen by nearly 80% in three decades.
This is according to a new study published in BMJ Oncology.
Research published in BMJ Oncology found there had been 3.26 million cases in 2019, which marks a 79% increase compared to 1990. It also suggests that more than a million under 50s a year are now dying of cancer.
In addition, the findings suggest the cancer deaths of adults in their 40s, 30s or younger have increased by 27%.
The study concludes: ‘Early-onset cancer morbidity continues to increase worldwide with notable variances in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) between areas, countries, sex and cancer types.
‘Encouraging a healthy lifestyle could reduce early-onset cancer disease burden.’
Main risk factors
Genetic factors are likely to play a part in the increase, according to the researchers. However, diets high in red meat and salt and low in fruit and milk, as well as alcohol and tobacco use, are the main risk factors of common cancers among the under 50s.
Physical inactivity, excess weight and high blood sugar were listed as contributory factors.
The research team argue that it is ‘worth exploring whether early screening and prevention programmes for early-onset cancer should be expanded to include individuals aged 40–44 and 45–49’. However, they stated that further systematic studies and randomised trials are necessary to make a definitive determination.
Some health experts warned against drawing too much from the findings. For example, the research did not take into account a 40% rise in the total population.
Dr Claire Knight, of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘However alarming this might seem, cancer is primarily a disease of older age, with the majority of new cancer cases worldwide being diagnosed in those aged 50 and above.’
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