Study shows significant surge in under-50 cancer cases

A recent study has suggested the number of cancer cases among the under-50s around the world appears to have increased significantly in the last 30 years.

Research published in BMJ Oncology found there had been 3.26 million cases in 2019, 79 per cent more than in 1990.

However, experts have cautioned against reading too much into the findings, stating that the research did not take into account a 40 per cent rise in the total population, while factors such as better reporting may also have played a role.

The team of international experts did however, stress that they were concerned lifestyle factors – such as excess weight, diets high in red meat and salt, and physical inactivity, could be pushing cases up among 14-49 year-olds, adding that genetic factors could also be playing a role.

Cancers of the breast, skin and digestive system were the most common.

Cancer was responsible for more than a million deaths in the under-50 age group in 2019, an increase of over 25 per cent, but with the 40 per cent population rise, this could actually indicate a falling death rate.

Cancer Research UK said there was some evidence of rising cancer rates among 18-49-year-olds in the UK, but Dr Claire Knight of the charity, added “However alarming this might seem, cancer is primarily a disease of older age, with the majority of new cancer cases worldwide being diagnosed in those aged 50 and above.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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