Global surge in cancer cases among under-50s Global cancer cases in people under the age of 50 have risen by 79 per cent between 1990 and 2019, according to new research.
Cancer deaths in the same age group also grew by more than 27 per cent, with more than 1 million under-50s a year now dying of cancer.
Cancers of the breast, windpipe, lung, bowel and stomach are responsible for the biggest death toll.
The University of Edinburgh-led team looked at the impact of 29 cancers on people aged between 14 and 49 years-old in more than 200 countries and regions.
Their analysis found that cancer cases worldwide rose from 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019.
Breast cancer accounted for the largest number of cases – 13.7 per every 100,000 people.
The fastest rise was seen in windpipe and prostate cancers, growing 2.38 per cent and 2.23 per cent per year respectively.
The highest rates of early onset cancers in 2019 were seen in North America, Australasia, and Western Europe.
Upward trend
Based on the trends for the past three decades, researchers estimate that the global number of new early onset cancer cases and associated deaths will rise by a further 31 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively, in 2030, with those in their 40s the most at risk.
Global surge in cancer cases among under-50s | The University of Edinburgh