Recent revelations by celebrities about their cancer diagnoses have cast a spotlight on a worrisome trend: the rise in early-onset cancer rates, or the incidence of cancer among people under the age of 50. One study has estimated that by 2030, early-onset cancer diagnoses could increase by 30% globally, with mortality rates expected to climb by about 20%.
Changing Cancer Trends
Research indicates that while cancer is most often diagnosed in those over 65, cancer rates are rising in younger adults. In the United States, cancer cases among people younger than 50 have increased from about 100 cases per 100,000 people in 2010 to 103 in 2019. This trend is alarming especially as it coincides with a decrease in cancer rates among older US adults, suggesting a shift in the age profile of cancer patients. “It’s almost like the curves have reversed themselves,” said Richard Barakat, director of cancer care at Northwell Health in New York.
Notably, the incidence rates of colorectal cancer in the US have nearly doubled among people younger than 50 since the 1990s and increased around the world. Breast cancer and lung cancer, typically associated with older populations, are now more commonly diagnosed in younger people, particularly young women who have never smoked.
Early-Onset Cancer Types
For breast cancer and colorectal cancer, evidence suggests that young adults are more likely to be diagnosed with more aggressive cancer types compared with older patients. Younger women with breast cancer, for example, are more likely to have triple-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2] breast cancer, which is more aggressive and requires more aggressive treatment.
A similar phenomenon may exist for colorectal cancer. Jeremy Kortmansky, a gastrointestinal cancer specialist at Yale Medicine, said “Some of the molecular characteristics and pathways of how something becomes cancerous are different between the older and younger groups. Younger adults tend to have a more aggressive-appearing cancer. They also tend to present at a more advanced stage that is not solely explained by a delay in diagnosis.”
Potential Causes: Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Experts believe that the rising cancer rates among young adults are not due to a single cause but rather a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors and genetic predispositions. High consumption of processed foods, lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol intake are among the lifestyle risks. Research shows that the risk of developing six of the 12 types of cancer that have been linked to obesity is increasing among younger people in the U.S.
The influence of the gut microbiome on cancer development is also under investigation. Factors like diet, use of medications, including antibiotics, and environmental pollutants may play a significant role in microbiome health and cancer risk. In addition, societal changes, such as the trend toward later childbirth, have been implicated in the changing cancer landscape.
Prevention and Early Detection
Health professionals emphasize the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and heavy drinking to reduce cancer risk. They also advocate for early screening, particularly for those with genetic markers or a family history of cancer. Knowing one’s body and seeking medical advice early when symptoms appear can be critical for early detection and effective treatment. “When I look at some of the patients who were diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer, they had symptoms, but nobody thought that a 30-year-old had colon cancer,” noted Barakat. He suggests that “doctors have to be more aware and be a little bit more suspicious” to catch potential cases early.
Staying Aware and Vigilant
The shifting patterns of cancer incidence among younger adults necessitate a heightened awareness and proactive approach to cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As research continues to uncover the multifaceted causes behind these trends, it becomes increasingly important for individuals to maintain healthy lifestyles and for medical professionals to adapt to the evolving demographic of cancer patients.
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