A comprehensive international study has highlighted an increase in six types of cancers among individuals aged 20 to 49.
The World Health Organization reported that around 20 million people globally received a cancer diagnosis in 2022.
This number is anticipated to surge to over 35 million by 2050, marking a 77 percent increase.
Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London examined the prevalence of 13 different types of cancers that seemed to be increasing among younger demographics.
They discovered that one specific type of cancer is significantly impacting young adults, aged 20 to 49, more than those aged 50 and above.
Furthermore, the scientists identified six types of cancer that are rising in 75 percent of the 42 countries included in the study.
The research analyzed data from countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australasia, spanning the years 2003 to 2017.
Among the cancers investigated were leukemia, breast, endometrial, prostate, colorectal, and kidney cancer.
Thyroid, stomach, liver, gallbladder, oral, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer rates were also examined.
It was found that thyroid cancer had the most significant rise, with a 3.6 percent median annual increase among 20 to 49 year olds across 75 percent of the nations studied.
The thyroid gland, situated at the base of the neck, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate bodily functions, according to Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of progressing thyroid cancer may include neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice.
Kidney cancer showed the second-highest rise among young adults, with a 2.2 percent increase.
Following this were endometrial cancer (1.7 percent), colorectal cancer (1.5 percent), breast cancer (0.9 percent), and leukemia (0.8 percent).
The study indicated that five of these six cancers also saw an increase among older individuals, albeit with similar or slightly reduced growth rates.
Colorectal cancer was unique in that it was the only cancer type that showed an exclusive rise among young adults.
In nearly 70 percent of the countries, the rate of increase was more pronounced in young adults.
The American Cancer Society notes that most colorectal cancers begin as growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
Possible symptoms include alterations in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
The cancers that have been rising in both younger and older adults are largely linked to obesity, with endometrial and kidney cancer having the strongest associations with being overweight.
Conversely, incidences of liver, oral, and stomach cancers have decreased among young adults in 50 percent of the countries examined.
If you’re affected by these issues and need confidential support, you can reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat feature, available around the clock every day of the year.