Cancer Rates Rising Across All Age Groups, Not Just Young Adults

A new international study challenges the belief that cancer increases mainly affect young people. Researchers examined data from 42 countries between 2003 and 2017, published in Annals of Internal Medicine. They found five obesity-linked cancers rising in both adults under 50 and those 50 and older: thyroid, breast, kidney, endometrial, and leukemia. Colorectal cancer was the only exception, increasing faster in younger adults due to screening programs protecting older populations. Thyroid cancer showed the largest annual increase at 3.57% in younger adults. Kidney cancer rose 2.21% and endometrial cancer increased 1.66%. Despite rising rates in younger people, adults 50 and older still account for 71% of cancer deaths worldwide. Researchers say obesity may drive these trends across age groups, suggesting the need for broader cancer prevention strategies. (Story URL)