Six cancers rising faster in younger adults than older ones - Harvard Gazette

"The work, published in November, painted a disturbing yet complex picture that varies globally according to cancer type, sex, and national context. The study examined cases that occurred between 2000 and 2017 and found 13 cancers on the rise in those under 50 in at least 10 countries, and six cancers - colorectal, cervical, pancreatic, prostate, kidney and multiple myeloma - rising faster in younger adults than in older adults in at least five."

"The trends of both higher incidence and mortality in those under 50 occurred in fewer countries - in five for uterine cancer and, for colorectal cancer, three nations for females and five for males. Colorectal cancer, particularly in North America, Europe and Oceania, drew particular attention from the authors, who said that 10 percent of global cases already occur in those under 50."

Multiple cancer types are showing rising incidence among adults under 50 across numerous countries, contradicting the expectation that cancer primarily affects older adults. Data from 2000 to 2017 identified 13 cancers increasing among people under 50 in at least 10 countries. Six cancers—colorectal, cervical, pancreatic, prostate, kidney and multiple myeloma—are rising faster in younger adults than in older adults in at least five countries. Colorectal and uterine cancers also show both increased incidence and higher mortality in younger populations in several nations. Colorectal cancer already accounts for about 10 percent of global cases in those under 50, with projections of large increases by 2030. Screening of older adults has coincided with declines in late-onset colorectal cancer in some countries.

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