A new study from the Institute of Cancer Research reveals that obesity is a significant factor in the rising rates of 11 types of cancer among young adults aged 20 to 49 in England. This challenges long-held assumptions that smoking and diet were the primary culprits behind increasing cancer incidences.
Key findings:
- Eleven types of cancer are on the rise among younger adults, including thyroid, liver, and breast cancers.
- Approximately 31,000 cancers were diagnosed in individuals aged 20 to 49 in England in 2023.
- Bowel cancer rates linked to BMI in younger women increased from 0.9 to 1.6 per 100,000 people.
The research indicates that for nine out of these eleven cancers, the rates are increasing not just among younger adults but also older ones. Interestingly, smoking rates have actually fallen by about 2% yearly over the past two decades. So, what’s driving this surge?
Experts suggest that obesity is becoming a major driver of cancer risk—one study estimates that around 20% of bowel cancer increases can be attributed to rising BMI levels. Professor Kristian Helin emphasizes that tackling obesity through stronger public health policies must become a national priority if we want to slow down this troubling trend.
Yet, while these statistics paint a worrying picture, it’s crucial to remember that cancer remains relatively rare among young people. Professor Amy Berrington reminds us that although rates are increasing, early-onset cancers are still uncommon.
The exact causes behind this rise remain unclear and require further investigation. The changes we’re observing don’t have a single cause or simple answer—many factors could be at play here.