Cancer rates rising faster among younger people in England, US, Netherlands

What's new

King’s College London launches 250,000-person trial funded by Cancer Research UK
World Cancer Research Fund analysis identifies significant increases in seven cancer types in England
Rates of lung cancer among under-50s declined in all three countries

An international study by the World Cancer Research Fund reports a sharp rise in multiple cancer types among younger people in England, the United States, and the Netherlands.³

Trends in cancer incidence

Since 2001, England has seen more than a doubling in early onset diagnoses of bowel, kidney and uterine cancers, while breast cancer rates in those under 50 rose from 42 to 47.5 per 100,000 by 2023.¹²

In the Netherlands, researchers identified notable increases in early onset cases of bowel, kidney, liver and cervical cancers.¹²

Meanwhile, lung cancer rates among people under 50 have fallen across all three countries, mirroring ongoing reductions in smoking prevalence.¹²

Research and response

King’s College London has launched a Cancer Research UK-funded trial involving 250,000 participants to study the growing incidence of bowel cancer in younger adults.¹²

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated that the results highlight the importance of early diagnosis in the national cancer strategy, which includes funding for new technologies and broader genetic screening.¹

Why it matters

These trends matter for readers in Europe as they highlight shifting cancer risks affecting younger adults, potentially influencing public health priorities and screening guidelines across the region. The rise in early onset cases underscores the need for greater awareness and research into lifestyle-related risk factors.²

Key facts

confirmedSince 2001, the number of individuals under 50 diagnosed with prostate cancer in England has increased fourfold.¹²³
confirmedIn England, there has been a sharp increase in cases of seven specific cancer types among younger individuals.¹²
confirmedDiagnoses of early onset bowel, kidney and uterine cancers have more than doubled.¹²

What we know and what we don't yet

What we know

Young people in England, the US and the Netherlands are experiencing a significant rise in various cancer types.
The World Cancer Research Fund’s analysis of cancer data from England, the US and the Netherlands found notable increases in early onset cancers: seven types in England, five in the US and four in the Netherlands.
King’s College London has revealed a new study of 250,000 people, supported by Cancer Research UK, aimed at understanding the rise in bowel cancer among younger adults.

What we don't know yet

While cancer rates are rising globally across all age groups, the increase among those under 50 is outpacing that of older age groups.
Experts noted that the trends are linked to rising global obesity, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and increased cancer awareness leading to earlier detection.
In England, among the 12 tumour types examined, prostate cancer incidence in men under 50 rose from 1 per 100,000 in 2001 to 3.6 per 100,000 by 2023.

Timeline

January 2000

1 JanuaryIn the United States, kidney cancer incidence rates more than doubled, increasing from 2.5 per 100,000 in 2000 to 5.3 per 100,000 in 2023.¹

January 2001

1 JanuarySince 2001, the number of individuals under 50 diagnosed with prostate cancer in England has increased fourfold.¹

1 JanuaryDiagnoses of early onset bowel, kidney and uterine cancers have more than doubled.¹

October 2026

6 October · as reportedThe Netherlands has seen significant rises in early onset cases of bowel, kidney, liver and cervical cancers.¹

6 October · as reportedLung cancer rates among those under 50 have decreased in all three countries.¹

6 October · as reportedKing’s College London has unveiled a new trial involving 250,000 participants, funded by Cancer Research UK.¹

Quotes

called the trajectory “concerning”, and added: “Behind every figure is a person facing cancer earlier than they, their family and often their doctor would expect. While cancer is still much more common in older adults, these changing patterns among younger generations need to be treated as a serious research and cancer prevention priority.”

called the problem “a ticking timebomb that we need to diffuse as quickly as possible, otherwise the numbers will undoubtedly continue to grow”

How outlets cover it

Sources represented

Foreign media 3

Foreign media The Guardian: Cancer rates rising more quickly among younger people, international study finds

Foreign media France 24: Cancer rates rising faster among younger people, international study finds

All sources 3

Ranked by credibility and by how many facts each confirms. The article is our own text, written from these sources.

Foreign media 3

1The Guardian ●●●●Cancer rates rising more quickly among younger people, international study finds
2The Guardian, syndicated by AOL ●Cancer rates rising more quickly among younger people, international research finds - AOL
3France 24 ●●●Cancer rates rising faster among younger people, international study finds