Significant increase in 7 types of cancer in UK under 50s

A significant increase was detected in seven types of cancer seen in people under the age of 50 in the UK.

A new and comprehensive study has revealed that there is a serious increase in prostate, bowel, kidney and uterine lining cancers, especially in young age groups.

In the analysis conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) by examining data in England, the USA and the Netherlands, a significant increase in early age cancer cases was detected in seven types of cancer in England, five in the USA and four in the Netherlands.

Researchers pointed out that cancer cases generally increased in all age groups, but the rise was faster in young people.

The incidence of prostate cancer in men under 50 years of age in England increased from 1 case in every 100 thousand people in 2001 to 3.6 in 2023.

In the same period, bowel cancer cases increased from 3.9 to 8.4 per 100 thousand people.

The cases of uterine lining cancer and kidney cancer also increased approximately two-fold, reaching 3.9 and 3 cases per 100 thousand people, respectively.

THERE IS ALSO AN INCREASE IN CHEST, PANCREAS AND LIVER CANCERS

The incidence of breast cancer has also increased in people under 50 years of age. In England, while this rate was 42 per 100 thousand people in 2001, it increased to 47.5 in 2023.

The study also stated that the incidence of pancreatic and liver cancers at an early age increases.

On the other hand, lung cancer cases decreased in people under the age of 50 in the UK, USA and the Netherlands. Experts attribute this decline to long-term declines in smoking.

Official data kept in the USA since 2000 also pointed to a similar trend.

The incidence of kidney cancer in people under the age of 50 increased from 2.5 cases per 100 thousand people to 5.3 cases in 2023.

While an increase of over 50 percent was recorded in bowel, uterine lining and pancreatic cancers, there was an approximately 20 percent increase in breast cancer cases.

INCREASE IN 4 TYPES OF CANCER IN THE NETHERLANDS

In the Netherlands, a significant increase in the incidence of bowel, kidney, liver and cervical cancers at an early age was detected.

Researchers emphasized that although there are differences between countries, the increasing prevalence of some types of cancer in young adults has become a common trend.

Prof from Queen's University Belfast. Mark Lawler described the resulting picture as a "ticking time bomb".

Lawler warned that cancer cases at young ages may continue to increase if necessary precautions are not taken.

WCRF Research and Policy Director Giota Mitrou also said that cancer is still predominantly seen in older ages, but the change in younger generations should be a priority in research and prevention policies.

According to WCRF, modifiable lifestyle factors may play an important role in the increase.

Obesity, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking are among the main risk factors.

In addition, it is stated that environmental factors such as air pollution, some chemicals, water and environmental pollution may increase the risk of cancer.

WCRF states that approximately 40 percent of cancer cases are linked to modifiable risk factors.

LIFESTYLE MAY NOT BE THE ONLY REASON FOR THE INCREASE

Experts also point out that the increase in cancer in young people cannot be explained only by lifestyle factors.

Increasing awareness of cancer symptoms and development of screening and early diagnosis methods may also lead to more cases being detected at earlier ages.

Researchers emphasize that new studies are needed to more clearly reveal the reasons for the increase in cancer cases at an early age.