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Surge in early-onset cancers among young adults in England
A comprehensive study reveals a troubling increase in 11 types of cancer among people in their late teens to 40s in England, with rising obesity levels emerging as a likely contributing factor.
Personal tragedy underscores diagnostic delays
Bradley Coombes, a 23-year-old from Portsmouth, died of bowel cancer after an 18-month struggle to obtain a diagnosis. His mother, Caroline Mousdale, described him as a fit and healthy young man on the verge of signing a semi-professional football contract. Despite exhibiting multiple "red flag" symptoms-including weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and blood in his stools-his concerns were repeatedly dismissed due to his age.
By the time a colonoscopy was performed, the tumour had grown so large it obstructed the camera. Despite surgery and chemotherapy, Bradley passed away with his dog by his side. "His dreams were stolen because early-onset bowel cancer wasn't identified in time," Mousdale said.
Study identifies 11 cancers on the rise
Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London analysed national data and found increasing rates of bowel, thyroid, multiple myeloma, liver, kidney, gallbladder, pancreatic, endometrial (womb lining), mouth, breast, and ovarian cancers in younger age groups. While cancer in young people remains relatively rare, the upward trend has puzzled scientists for years.
Obesity emerges as a key factor-but not the only one
The study examined lifestyle behaviours known to influence cancer risk, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, red and processed meat intake, and fibre consumption. Most of these factors either improved or remained stable over time, failing to explain the rise in cancer cases.
The only trend that aligned with the increase was the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity since the 1990s. Excess fat tissue is believed to alter hormone levels, such as insulin, which may elevate cancer risk. However, the link is far from definitive. For example, researchers estimate that only about 20 out of every 100 additional bowel cancer cases can be attributed to excess weight, leaving 80 cases unexplained.
"It is very worrisome to hear that cancers are increasing in young people. However, there are steps everyone can take to reduce their risk, such as staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight."
Prof Montserrat García Closas, Institute of Cancer Research
Cancer in young people remains rare-but prevention is critical
While the rise in early-onset cancers is concerning, the overall risk for young adults remains low. Approximately one in 1,000 people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s receives a cancer diagnosis annually, compared to one in 100 among those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Despite this, experts emphasise that nearly 40% of cancers worldwide are preventable through lifestyle choices, such as avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
Search for answers continues
Researchers are exploring other potential risk factors, including ultra-processed foods, "forever chemicals" (PFAS), antibiotic use, sweetened drinks, inflammation, air pollution, gut bacteria, and weedkillers. Improved cancer detection methods may also contribute to the apparent increase in diagnoses among younger people.
Prof Marc Gunter of Imperial College London acknowledged the gaps in current knowledge, stating, "There's still a lot we don't understand." The findings were published in BMJ Oncology.
