A major study from the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London has identified 11 cancers rising in adults aged 20 to 49 in England, and lifestyle habits don't tell the whole story. Analyzing data from 2001 to 2019, researchers found increases in breast, colorectal, pancreatic, kidney, liver, gallbladder, thyroid, oral, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, plus multiple myeloma. For most, rates also climbed in older adults. But two cancers-colorectal and ovarian-showed rising rates only in the younger group, pointing to unique factors at play.
Researchers accounted for known risks like smoking, alcohol, diet, and physical activity. While these factors contribute to a share of cases-from 7% to 65% depending on the cancer-most of these risks have not increased in younger adults in recent decades. Smoking is down, alcohol use is stable, and physical inactivity has declined. Obesity was the exception, rising across all ages and linked to several cancers. Yet even obesity alone didn't fully explain the uptick.
The findings suggest lifestyle is only a small piece of the puzzle. Scientists call for urgent investigation into emerging risk factors, early-life exposures, and the role of improved detection. Prevention efforts must continue, especially addressing inequalities in smoking and obesity that hit deprived communities hardest.