Rising cancer rates among under-50s: why age should not be a barrier to diagnosis

New analysis has revealed an increase in several types of cancer among people under the age of 50, highlighting the importance of recognising that cancer can affect younger adults too.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) analysed data on 12 different cancers and identified statistically significant increases in seven cancer types among people under 50 in England: breast, bowel, kidney, liver, pancreatic, prostate and womb cancer.

Cancer is still predominantly diagnosed in people over 50, and age remains one of the most important risk factors. However, the changing pattern among younger adults is concerning and reinforces the need for possible cancer symptoms to be taken seriously at any age.

What does the data show?

The WCRF analysis compared cancer incidence in England between 2001 and 2023.

Some of the largest changes were seen in bowel, kidney, womb and prostate cancers. Among people under 50:

• bowel cancer rates increased from 3.9 cases per 100,000 people in 2001 to 8.4 in 2023;
• kidney cancer increased from 1.5 to 3 cases per 100,000;
• womb cancer among women increased from 1.8 to 3.9 cases per 100,000; and
• prostate cancer among men increased from 1 case per 100,000 to 3.6.

There were also increases in breast cancer among women under 50, from 42 to 47.5 cases per 100,000, as well as smaller increases in liver and pancreatic cancer.

More research is needed to understand why rates of some cancers are increasing among younger generations.

The importance of taking symptoms seriously

While cancer remains less common among younger people, these figures are an important reminder that age alone should not lead to cancer being discounted as a possible diagnosis.

At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we act for people who have experienced delays in the diagnosis of cancer, including younger people. We have seen the serious impact that a delayed or missed diagnosis can have on a person and their family.

Early diagnosis can be crucial. If cancer is missed or its diagnosis is delayed, there is a risk that the disease may progress before treatment begins. Depending on the type of cancer and the individual circumstances, this can affect the treatment available and a person’s prognosis. In some circumstances these delays can make the difference between a cancer being curable or not.

It is important to remember that at the heart of these statistics are people going through life changing diagnoses and treatment. A delay in diagnosis can mean that the treatment needed now is more aggressive and for young people that aggressive treatment can have far reaching complications, including impacting their fertility.

Persistent or concerning symptoms should be properly considered and, where appropriate, investigated, regardless of a patient’s age.

The increase in cancers among under-50s does not mean that cancer has become common among younger people. But it does challenge the assumption that someone is “too young” to have cancer. At Bolt Burdon kemp we have heard first hand from some of our clients that their symptoms were dismissed because they were too young to be considered for more serious conditions including cancer. For some of our client’s the treatment needed because of the delay meant that they were unable to have children.

Greater awareness, alongside further research into what is driving these increases, will be important in ensuring younger people receive the right investigation, diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.

If you are concerned about persistent or unusual symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

If you or a loved one has experienced an avoidable delay in the diagnosis or treatment of cancer which has meant your cancer has progressed without treatment, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation. Our specialist medical negligence team has experience representing people affected by delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment. If you have concerns about the care you have received and would like advice, please get in touch with our team.