Cancer rates rose for seven cancers among under-50s in England
World Cancer Research Fund analysis of English registry data found significant increases in seven cancers among people under 50 between 2001 and 2023. Prostate cancer rose fastest proportionally, from 1 to 3.6 cases per 100,000 men, although it remains rare; researchers say the causes are not established.
Bottom line — WCRF says the trends across seven cancers make further research a priority, while cancer remains far more common among older adults.
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WCRF also found increases in breast, colorectal, kidney, liver, pancreatic and uterine cancers in England.
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Among women under 50, colorectal cancer rose from 3.8 to 8.3 cases per 100,000; uterine cancer increased from 1.8 to 3.9, according to WCRF.
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WCRF found significant increases in five cancer types in the US and four in the Netherlands, but the cancers varied by country.
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WCRF says obesity, diet, physical activity and other exposures may contribute, but the analysis does not establish causes; better detection may explain part, not all, of the rise.
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Cancer Research UK’s Jon Shelton said increased detection may be contributing to prostate figures, including possible overdiagnosis; he pointed to diet and excess weight as possible factors in bowel cancer.
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The NHS’s national medical director, Frankie Swords, urged people to contact their GP about persistent changes such as a lump, unusual bleeding or unexplained weight loss.