Six types of cancer are rapidly increasing among young individuals. This was revealed in a new medical study conducted in the United States.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that in at least five countries, six types of cancer are being diagnosed more rapidly in younger people rather than in older individuals.
The research analyzed data from two major cancer databases to determine how much cancer cases have increased among people under the age of 50.
The study found that overall, cancer diagnoses are still relatively less common among young and middle-aged individuals, but several types are spreading at a much faster rate.
It was discovered that between 2000 and 2017, the number of cases of 13 types of cancer increased among individuals under 50 years of age in at least 10 countries.
Among these, six types colorectal, pancreatic, bladder, kidney, blood, and cervical cancers are being diagnosed more rapidly in younger individuals compared to older adults in five countries.
In fact, colorectal cancer is increasing the fastest and accounts for about 10 percent of total cancer cases among people under 50 worldwide.
Researchers estimate that by 2030, the rate of colorectal cancer could increase by 90 percent among individuals aged 20 to 34, and by 46 percent among those aged 35 to 49.
They stated that further research is needed in this regard, but the findings indicate a concerning rise in global cancer incidence.
They further noted that one major reason behind the increase in cancer among young people is obesity, while Western diets and lack of physical activity also contribute to higher cancer risk.
The findings of this study were published in the journal Military Medical Research.
