Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Apr 29: Several cancers are rising among younger adults in England, with bowel and ovarian cancers showing a worrying increase only in people under 50, according to a new study published in BMJ Oncology.

Researchers analysing cancer incidence trends between 2001 and 2019 found cases of 16 out of 22 cancers rose significantly among younger women, while 11 out of 21 cancers increased among younger men.

Among the cancers showing significant increases in younger adults were thyroid, liver, kidney, gallbladder, bowel, pancreatic, ovarian, breast and endometrial cancers, along with multiple myeloma.

Notably, bowel and ovarian cancer rates rose only among younger adults and not in those aged over 50, while several cancers — including endometrial, kidney, pancreatic, thyroid cancer and multiple myeloma — were found to be increasing faster in younger adults than older populations.

Researchers said obesity appeared to be a major contributing factor, with 10 of the 11 rising cancers linked to excess weight. However, they noted obesity alone does not fully explain the trend.

The study found many traditional behavioural risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use and poor diet had remained stable or improved over recent years among younger adults, suggesting other causes may also be contributing.

Scientists said factors such as early-life exposures, changes in diagnosis practices, ultra-processed foods, gut microbiome disruption and environmental influences may warrant further investigation.

While the increase in cancer cases among younger adults is concerning, researchers stressed the overall burden of cancer remains far higher among older people.

The findings add to growing global concern over rising early-onset cancers and underscore the need for further research into emerging risk factors.