Cancer before age 50 is increasing. A new study looks at which types
Cancer before age 50
is rare, but increasing, in the United States and researchers want to know why.
A new government study provides the most complete picture yet of
early-onset cancers
, finding that the largest increases are in breast, colorectal, kidney and uterine cancers.
Scientists from the
National Cancer Institute
looked at data that included more than 2 million cancers diagnosed in people 15 to 49 years old between 2010 and 2019.
Of 33 cancer types, 14 cancers had increasing rates in at least one younger age group. About 63% of the early-onset cancers were among women.
"These kinds of patterns generally reflect something profound going on," said Tim Rebbeck of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who studies cancer risk and was not involved in the research. "We need to fund research that will help us understand."
The findings were published Thursday in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for
Cancer Research
.
How many extra cancers are we talking about? The researchers compared cancer rates in 2019 to what would be expected based on 2010 rates.
Breast cancer
made up the largest share of the excess cancers, with about 4,800 additional cases.
There were 2,000 more colorectal cancers compared with what would be expected based on the 2010 rates. There were 1,800 more kidney cancers and 1,200 additional uterine cancers.
Reassuringly, death rates were not rising for most cancers in the young adult age groups, although increasing death rates were seen for colorectal, uterine and testicular cancers.
Why is this happening? Explanations will take more research. The big databases used for the study don't include information on risk factors or access to care. Theories abound and a big meeting is planned later this year to bring together experts in the area.
"Several of these cancer types are known to be associated with excess body weight and so one of the leading hypotheses is increasing rates of obesity," said lead author Meredith Shiels of the National Cancer Institute.
Advances in cancer detection and changes in screening guidelines could be behind some early diagnoses.
For breast cancer, the trend toward women having a first child at older ages is a possible explanation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are known to reduce risk.
It's not a uniform trend for all cancers This isn't happening across the board. Cancer rates in people under 50 are going down for more than a dozen types of cancer, with the largest declines in lung and prostate cancers.
Cigarette smoking has been declining for decades, which likely accounts for the drop in lung cancer among younger adults.
The drop in prostate cancer is likely tied to updated guidelines discouraging routine PSA testing in younger men because of concerns about overtreatment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Rectal cancer rate is rising in young people- what are the risk factors
Source: iStock Americans born in 1990 face quadruple the risk of developing rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950, according to a large-scale review published in the British Journal of Surgery. Conducted by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, the study found that early-onset gastrointestinal cancers increased by nearly 15% between 2010 and 2019. Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and second in women of the same age group. This surge isn't largely genetic. Instead, researchers point to environmental and lifestyle-related causes, which they refer to as a 'birth cohort effect.' Younger generations are more exposed to processed foods, sedentary routines, rising obesity, and chemical exposures, creating risk patterns not seen in prior decades. The impact also varies by community: Hispanic patients make up 22% of young stomach cancer cases, versus just 7% of older ones, while Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous groups face disproportionately high rates of early-onset colorectal cancer. Symptoms of rectal cancer As per the American Cancer Society, rectal cancer is often silent in its early stages, which can delay diagnosis. As the disease progresses, signs may include changes in bowel habits like diarrhea, constipation, or a frequent urge to pass stool. Patients may feel their bowels don't fully empty, or see bright red or dark maroon blood in their stool. Other warning signs are abdominal pain, narrow stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and general weakness. Key risk factors for rectal cancer in young adults Excess body weight Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer. The association is particularly strong in men. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce this risk. Type 2 Diabetes People with type 2 diabetes face a higher likelihood of developing colorectal cancer, even after adjusting for obesity and inactivity. High insulin levels are believed to play a role. Unhealthy diet Long-term diets high in red or processed meats, like beef, hot dogs, or cold cuts, raise colorectal cancer risk. Low intake of vitamin D, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also contributes. Smoking Tobacco use increases the likelihood of colorectal polyps and cancers. While often linked to lung disease, smoking is also a known risk factor for several gastrointestinal cancers. Alcohol consumption Even light-to-moderate alcohol intake can elevate colorectal cancer risk. Men are advised to limit alcohol to 2 drinks daily, and women to 1 drink. Age and birth cohort patterns Colorectal cancer is more common after 50, but rates are rising in younger people, likely due to lifestyle and environmental exposures not faced by earlier generations. Race and ethnicity As per the recent research, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by early-onset colorectal cancer. The disparities likely reflect systemic health inequities and environmental factors. History of polyps or prior colorectal cancer Those with a past diagnosis of adenomatous polyps. especially if large or numerous, are at increased risk. Individuals previously treated for colorectal cancer are also more likely to develop new tumors. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cause chronic inflammation, raising cancer risk. People with long-standing IBD may need earlier and more frequent screenings. Family history Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer, particularly if diagnosed before 50, significantly raises one's own risk. Inherited syndromes Around 5% of colorectal cancer cases stem from inherited genetic mutations. Notable examples include Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which greatly increase lifetime risk.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Can women get prostate cancer? Understanding the ‘female prostate', its function, and the rare risk of Skene's gland tumours
Female prostate cancer Most people learn in biology class that the prostate is unique to men. Yet human anatomy holds a small surprise: at the front wall of the vagina sits a pair of glands, the Skene's glands, that share many features with the male prostate. They contain the same enzymes (prostate-specific antigen and PSA phosphatase), may swell or become infected, and in exceptional cases can turn cancerous. According to Medical News Today, a 2017 literature review put the lifetime risk of true 'female prostate cancer' at a fraction of one percent of all genitourinary cancers in women. Still, because symptoms mimic more common problems such as cysts or recurrent urinary-tract infections, early tumours can be missed. Knowing what the female prostate does, how cancer might develop, and when to seek testing helps demystify a condition that—while rare—deserves a place on every clinician's diagnostic radar. What does the female prostate (Skene's glands) actually do Researchers using MRI and 3-D ultrasound have mapped these pea-sized glands around the urethra. The Skene's tissue produces a thin, alkaline fluid high in PSA—the same marker doctors track in men. Studies suggest this fluid may help protect the urinary tract from infection, contribute to arousal lubrication, and explain the G-spot's sensitivity. In people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) the glands are often enlarged, hinting that hormonal shifts influence their growth. How common is female prostate cancer According to Medical News Today, a 1994 database review found that Skene's gland tumours made up roughly 0.003 % of all documented cancers of the female urinary or genital tract—fewer than one case per 30 million women. Later reports confirm its rarity but caution that some urethral or vaginal cancers may originate in Skene's tissue and be mislabeled. Because awareness is low, pathologists now stain suspicious biopsies for PSA to avoid missed diagnoses. Female prostate cancer symptoms that overlap with more common conditions Palpable mass or firm lump near the vaginal opening Pain or burning during sex or urination Recurrent UTIs that resist standard antibiotics Unusual discharge sometimes streaked with blood These signs also occur with Skene's cysts, abscesses, or simple urethritis, which is why persistent symptoms after routine treatment should prompt imaging or referral to a uro-gynaecologist. Female prostate cancer diagnosis relies on PSA staining and imaging Pelvic MRI can reveal a solid lesion within the gland, but definitive diagnosis comes from a biopsy stained for PSA or PSAP. Elevated serum PSA has been reported in case studies, yet most clinicians use it only to monitor confirmed tumours, not to screen healthy women—the false-positive rate would be too high. Treatment mirrors protocols for other glandular cancers Because data are sparse, doctors adapt guidelines from urethral and prostate oncology: Surgical excision with clear margins is the primary approach for localised disease. Radiation or platinum-based chemotherapy may follow for aggressive histology or regional spread. Long-term outcomes are hard to predict, but individual case reports describe disease-free intervals of five years or more with early surgery. Female prostate cancer Related FAQs Do all women have a female prostate? Yes. The Skene's glands are part of typical female anatomy, though size varies from barely visible to several millimetres. Can a standard PSA blood test detect Skene's gland cancer early? Not reliably. PSA can rise from infection, cysts, or breast cancer; routine screening would create more confusion than benefit. It is mainly used to monitor known tumours. Are Skene's cysts precancerous? No. Cysts result from blocked ducts and carry no proven link to malignancy, but chronic inflammation may mask an underlying tumour, so persistent or recurrent cysts should be biopsied. Does PCOS increase the risk of female prostate cancer? Current studies show larger Skene's glands in PCOS, yet no direct rise in cancer incidence. Research is ongoing. What specialist treats Skene's gland disorders? Uro-gynaecologists and urologists with female pelvic-floor training typically manage diagnosis and surgery for Skene's conditions. Also read | Hair loss in females: 7 vitamin and mineral deficiencies every woman should check
News18
6 days ago
- News18
Can Losing Weight Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer After Menopause?
For postmenopausal women, maintaining a healthy weight through sustainable lifestyle changes is one of the most effective and accessible strategies for reducing breast cancer risk. Breast cancer has now become the most common cancer among Indian women, rising from fourth place in the 1990s to the first place today. The most commonly affected age group is between 40 and 70 years, which is why screening mammography is recommended starting at age 40. Mounting scientific evidence suggests that postmenopausal women who lose weight may significantly reduce their risk of breast cancer, offering a powerful preventive strategy through lifestyle modification. Dr. Namrata Singal Sawant, Director and Senior Breast & Women's Imaging Consultant Radiologist, Vcare Imaging Diagnostic Center, Mumbai, shares all you need to know: Key Research Findings Women's Health Initiative Observational Study: Women who lost at least 5% of their body weight during the follow-up period had a lower risk of invasive breast cancer compared to those whose weight remained stable, according to the National Cancer Institute. Comprehensive Research Evidence: Major studies published in Cancer journal confirm that postmenopausal women who lose weight have a lower risk of breast cancer than those with stable weight. Adult Weight Change Studies: Research published in JAMA found that weight loss after menopause is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. Biological Mechanisms Behind Protection Reduced Estrogen Production: After menopause, fat tissue becomes the primary source of estrogen. Weight loss decreases fat tissue, resulting in lower circulating estrogen levels, which can reduce hormone-sensitive breast cancer risk. Decreased Inflammation: Obesity leads to chronic inflammation, which may promote cancer development. Weight loss helps reduce inflammatory markers. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Excess weight contributes to insulin resistance. Weight loss improves insulin function, creating a less favorable environment for cancer growth. Hormonal Balance Restoration: Weight loss also normalizes hormones beyond estrogen, such as leptin and adiponectin, both of which influence cancer risk. Optimal Weight Loss Targets Maximum Benefit: Losing 10–15% of body weight provides the greatest protective effect against breast cancer. Modest Benefit: Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly lower risk. Maintenance is Key: Sustaining weight loss over time is essential for continued risk reduction. Safe and Effective Approaches Diet: Your First Line of Defense Foods to Include: Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower) A balanced, diverse diet Fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids Colorful, antioxidant-rich fruits Fiber-rich whole grains (especially millets) Foods to Limit: Processed meats Refined sugars Ultra-processed foods Regular Physical Activity Regular exercise can reduce breast cancer risk by 10–20% compared to a sedentary lifestyle. Combine cardio with strength training Choose enjoyable activities for sustainability Gradual Approach Target a weight loss of 1–2 pounds (0.5–1 kg) per week for lasting results Avoid crash diets, which often lead to weight regain and health issues Professional Guidance is Recommended Individual Assessment: Consult healthcare providers to assess personal risk factors and create a tailored plan. Medical Monitoring: Regular check-ups help track progress and maintain safety. top videos View all Comprehensive Approach: Underlying health conditions can be managed more effectively with medical supervision. In conclusion, for postmenopausal women, maintaining a healthy weight through sustainable lifestyle changes is one of the most effective and accessible strategies for reducing breast cancer risk. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 07:22 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Can Losing Weight Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer After Menopause? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
