Rise in Cancer Diagnoses Among Younger Adults, Though Death Rates Remain Stable

New research by the National Institutes of Health reveals that cancer incidence has increased in people under age 50 for several types of cancer, even as overall cancer death rates for this group have not risen. Between 2010 and 2019, diagnoses of 14 out of 33 cancer types studied increased in at least one early-onset age group. Despite these increases, decreases in 19 other cancer types and stable death rates paint a more complex picture of cancer trends in younger populations.

The study, published in Cancer Discovery, examined nationwide cancer registry and death certificate data across six age categories, with three groups under 50 and three older. Among the cancers that rose in incidence in younger adults, several—including breast, colorectal, kidney, testicular, uterine, pancreatic cancers, and certain lymphomas—also rose in older adults. Meanwhile, increases in death rates were noted only in specific early-onset cases, including colorectal and uterine cancers. Most other cancers with rising incidence did not see an accompanying rise in mortality among younger patients.

Five cancer types—including melanoma, cervical, stomach, myeloma, and bone and joint cancers—saw increased incidence exclusively in younger age groups. Notably, in 2019 alone, female breast cancer accounted for approximately 4,800 more early-onset cases than projected based on 2010 trends. Colorectal cancer followed with 2,100 additional cases, while increases were also seen in kidney (1,800), uterine (1,200), and pancreatic (500) cancers. These five types together made up more than 80% of the excess early-onset diagnoses that year.

Researchers pointed to several potential contributors to the rise in early-onset cancer rates, including increasing rates of obesity, expanded screening efforts, improved imaging technologies, and greater monitoring of individuals at higher risk. While the overall burden of cancer has not increased due to balancing declines in other types, the findings suggest a shifting landscape that warrants further examination. Future research will focus on understanding the underlying causes, including behavioral and environmental risk factors, and how these may differ across demographics and geographic regions both within the U.S. and globally.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.

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