A new study published in the journal BMJ Oncology has found that there has been a 79% increase in new cases of cancer among the under 50s around the world over the past three decades.
The study, which is the largest of its kind, looked at data from over 200 countries and found that breast cancer accounted for the highest number of early-onset cases in this age group in 2019. However, cancers of the windpipe (nasopharynx) and prostate have risen the fastest since 1990.
The researchers also found that the highest rates of early-onset cancers were in North America, Australasia, and Western Europe. However, low to middle-income countries were also affected, with the highest death rates among the under 50s in Oceania, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.
The researchers say that the reasons for the increase in early-onset cancers are not fully understood, but that lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use are likely to be playing a role. They also say that genetic factors may be involved.
The researchers say that the findings of the study have important implications for cancer prevention and early detection. They say that there is a need to develop targeted public health campaigns to raise awareness of the risk factors for early-onset cancers and to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles. They also say that there is a need for more research to identify the optimal treatment strategies for early-onset cancers.
Key takeaways:
- There has been a 79% increase in new cases of cancer among the under 50s around the world over the past three decades.
- Breast cancer accounts for the highest number of early-onset cases in this age group, but cancers of the windpipe and prostate are rising the fastest.
- The highest rates of early-onset cancers are in North America, Australasia, and Western Europe, but low to middle-income countries are also affected.
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use are likely to be playing a role in the increase in early-onset cancers.
- The findings of the study have important implications for cancer prevention and early detection.
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