The number of people under 50 being diagnosed with cancer in the UK has risen 24% in two decades, a sharper increase than any other age group, according to figures experts say are likely linked to soaring obesity levels, cheap junk food and inactivity. Early onset incidence rates grew from 132.9 per 100,000 people in 1995 to 164.
6 in 2019, analysis of data shows. About 35,000 under-50s are now developing cancer every year, almost 100 young women and men a day, the research reveals. Meanwhile, there is mounting concern that a global epidemic of cancer among young people may be emerging.
The explosion in cases was a key focus of discussion this weekend at the world’s largest cancer conference, the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Experts are still in the early stages of understanding the reasons behind the rise in cases . But most believe poor diets, physical inactivity and obesity are likely to be among the factors behind the surge in cancer rates among young people in the UK.
Incidence rates have grown among all ages in the last two decades. But the 24% increase among the under-50s is much higher than the rises seen among other age groups. Prof Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician, said: “Over recent decades, there has been a clear increase in cancer incidence rates in young adults in the UK.
Evidence suggests that more adults under 50 may be getting cancer than ever before.” The second biggest rise in cases was amon.
