Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
In a disturbing worldwide trend, new cancer cases among young people have been increasing sharply.
Early-onset cancers, defined as cancer cases diagnosed in people under 50, increased globally by a staggering 79%.
In the United States, the American Cancer Society reported that the demographics of cancer patients are increasingly shifting from older individuals to middle-aged people. While adults older than 50 experienced a drop in overall cancer incidence from 1995 to 2020, there was a notable increase in people younger than 50.
Pramote Polyamate/Moment RF/Getty Images
Why are young people getting cancers at higher rates? Does this mean people should start screening for cancer at younger ages? Who should be most concerned? And what preventive measures should younger individuals consider?
To help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner.
CNN: What are the deadliest cancers in younger people?
Dr. Leana Wen: The types of early-onset cancer that cause the highest death toll and burden globally are breast cancer; tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer; and stomach and colorectal cancers, according to a 2023 study published in the journal BMJ Oncology.
These are similar statistics for older populations. In the United States, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer are the four top causes of cancer deaths. A report from the American Cancer Society especially highlighted colorectal cancer, which is now the leading cause of cancer death in men younger than 50 and the second in women under 50.
The young adult male sits on the hospital room couch to talk with the hospital insurance specialist to update medical information. SDI Productions/E+/Getty Images
CNN: Why are cancer cases rising in people under 50?
Wen: There are a number of hypotheses. Some researchers point to the escalating rates of obesity over the last few decades, which is associated with the risk of early-onset cancer. On a related note, the change in dietary habits, specifically the increase in consumption of ultraprocessed food, and sedentary lifestyles also are associated with higher cancer rates. Others speculate that there may be environmental factors at play, such as carcinogens released into the air, water and food supplies.
CNN: Should people start screening for cancer at younger ages?
Wen: This is a complex question that I think is best answered by looking at recommendations for the population versus for the individual.
Guidelines from major medical organizations and federal policymaking bodies are based on what is recommended for people at average risk. Most people should follow these guidelines.
For instance, in the United States, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that people begin colon cancer screenings at age 45. The task force also issued a draft recommendation that women start mammograms at age 40. Both revisions represent changes to guidelines. Before 2021, people were advised to start colon cancer screenings at age 50. The mammogram change was only proposed last year and hasn’t been finalized. Before this recommendation, the guidance was for most women to begin mammograms at age 50.