Cancer rates rising in people under 50 years

 Globally since the 1990s rates of certain cancers have increased markedly in younger people, prompting researchers to label early-onset cancer as “an emerging global epidemic”.

A review of cancer registry data, published last year, found the incidence of 14 cancers – including colorectal, oesophageal, endometrial, gall bladder, kidney and thyroid – in under-50s had increased significantly in the past three decades in Australia, New Zealand, US, England and Wales, Canada and South Korea.

Scientists hypothesise that the rise in early-onset cancer may be the result of changing lifestyles and different exposures to risk factors in early life and young adulthood – but there are still many unanswered questions and more research is needed.

The 31st August is Daffodil Day in South Australia. If you want to support cancer research by buying a daffodil or fundraising and want to learn more, click here