Young Adult Cancer: Why Are Cases Rising?

NEW YORK, July 6, 2025

Cancer on the Rise Among Younger Adults

Early-onset cancers are becoming more common, but lifestyle changes can make a difference.

• Cancer cases are increasing in people under 50 globally.
• Breast, thyroid, and intestinal cancers are among the most common early-onset tumors.
• Younger individuals may experience more aggressive forms of cancer.
• Lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce cancer risk.

It seems like cancer is striking earlier these days: A global survey revealed a concerning trend: **There has been a 79% increase in new cancer cases diagnosed annually in people under 50 over the last three decades.**

Why Are Younger People Getting Cancer?

We often think of cancer as a disease of older age, but that’s changing. Breast, intestinal, and prostate tumors, among others, are emerging earlier. And this isn’t just a slight uptick; the risk seems to grow with each generation. New cases of breast, thyroid and cervical tumors rose 26% among people from 20 to 39 years old in 2022 compared to 2012.

Did you know? In the United States, the rise in intestinal cancer in young people has made it the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50.

The trend isn’t limited to the U.S. For example, in one evaluation made at ICESP (São Paulo State Cancer Institute), the proportion of breast cancer among women under 40 went from 8% in 2009 to 22% in 2020.

More Aggressive in Young People

Here’s another crucial point: Cancer in younger people tends to be more aggressive and is often discovered at more advanced stages.

Consider breast cancer. There are three main subtypes:

• Luminal (has hormonal receptors, but not much of the HER-2 protein).
• HER-2 positive (has a lot of the Her-2 protein).
• Triple negative (no hormonal receptors and not much Her-2).

Young women are more likely to have more serious subtypes of breast cancer, like triple negative, which have a greater risk of recurrence and spread to other organs. This subtype is less common in older women, who often have the luminal type.

This greater aggressiveness, along with a tendency for later diagnoses, means breast cancer in this age group often presents at more advanced stages. Many young people aren’t yet getting routine exams like mammograms and may underestimate initial symptoms, due to a lower awareness of cancer risk at their age. Also, denser breast tissue in younger women can make exams more difficult.

To combat this, awareness programs and revised prevention strategies are essential. Colonoscopies for gut cancer are now recommended starting at age 45 instead of 50. Also, artificial intelligence is being used for mammographic analysis to improve tumor detection, especially in denser breasts.

Young cancer patients also face unique physical and emotional challenges, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Hair loss, weight changes, surgeries, and scars can affect self-image, relationships, mental health, and sexuality. Some treatments can cause hormonal changes, early menopause, and infertility, with significant physical and emotional consequences for people in their childbearing years.

The journey of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery affects daily life, social interactions, finances, studies, and careers. All of this should be considered in the treatment and monitoring of these individuals.

Lifestyle Changes for Prevention

**What can we do to change this scenario?** Improving our lifestyle is key. While genetic factors are relevant, they aren’t the only cause. More than 80% of tumors in this population have no hereditary origin.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits contribute significantly to this trend, and it’s estimated that at least 30% of all cancer cases could be avoided with lifestyle changes.

Even people with genetic mutations can lower their risk by making lifestyle changes. This includes avoiding an unbalanced diet high in sugar, refined flour, ultra-processed foods, and red meat.

These foods can increase cancer risk by causing chronic inflammation, which creates a favorable environment for tumor cells. Persistent inflammation can weaken immunity, damage DNA, and release substances that stimulate cancer cell growth.

Quick fact: Regular physical activity can decrease the risk of cancer by 10% to 40%.

Smoking, alcohol, obesity, and physical inactivity also have a negative impact. Obesity induces chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances that promote tumor growth. On the other hand, regular physical activity has a protective effect.

We need to improve our life habits as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of cancer. The more positive changes we make, even in adulthood, the greater the impact on our health and the reduction of cancer risk.

Increased cancer in young people is a reality that demands our attention. Taking control of our health by adopting healthy habits is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer and its prevention.