In 2017, British filmmaker and adventure photographer Paddy Scott thought his intense stomach pain was nothing serious. He was only 34, in great shape, and living an active life. But after a hospital visit and a routine colonoscopy, he got news that changed everything: he had advanced bowel cancer that had already spread to his liver.
Stories like Paddy’s are no longer rare.
Over the past 30 years, doctors around the world have noticed a worrying trend—more and more young adults under 50 are being diagnosed with cancer. In fact, research by the Financial Times, using data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, shows cancer rates have gone up by 22% among people aged 25 to 29 in G20 countries from 1990 to 2019. For people over 75, cancer rates have actually gone down.
So, what’s going on?
It's Not Just Bad Luck
While age is still the biggest risk factor—most cancers still affect people over 50—the sharp rise among younger people has scientists digging for answers.
One clue lies in the types of cancers that are rising the fastest. Colorectal cancer (which affects the colon and rectum) has increased by 70% in young people since 1990. Other cancers on the rise include those in the stomach, pancreas, liver, breast, and even blood cancers like myeloma.
Doctors are especially troubled because cancers in younger people tend to be more aggressive and are often diagnosed late, since most people—and even some doctors—don’t expect someone in their 20s or 30s to have cancer.
Could Our Modern Lifestyles Be to Blame?
Many scientists think today’s lifestyle might be playing a big role. Dr. Frank Sinicrope from the Mayo Clinic notes that people born in the 1960s and later—those now in their 30s and 40s—grew up with big changes in diet and daily habits.
Think about it: more processed food, more sugar, less physical activity, and more time spent sitting. Childhood obesity has also become much more common over the past few decades. All these factors can increase cancer risk.
There’s also growing interest in the microbiome—the trillions of bacteria living in our gut. These bacteria help with digestion and support our immune system. But when our diets change too much—like eating too much sugar and fat—our microbiome can shift in ways that may increase the risk of cancer.
Other factors, like increased use of antibiotics and modern medicines, could also be affecting our gut health.
A Worldwide Shift
While this trend started in richer countries like the US and UK, it’s now being seen in middle-income nations like China, Brazil, and South Africa too. Cancer rates among young people in these countries jumped 53% from 1990 to 2019—much faster than in wealthier countries.
Experts point to a mix of changes: fewer children born, later pregnancies, less breastfeeding, more smoking and drinking, and a shift toward western-style diets.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
This surge in early onset cancer isn’t just a health issue—it could affect the global economy too. Researchers estimate cancer will cost the world $25 trillion by 2050. That’s a massive blow, especially as more people in their prime working years are affected.
Doctors are calling for earlier screening. In some countries, screening for bowel cancer only starts at 60. But with younger people now at risk, experts suggest lowering the screening age to 45—or even 40 for some cancers.
Still, detecting cancer early in young people is a challenge. Many aren’t aware of the warning signs, and their symptoms often get dismissed. Studies show younger patients are sometimes seen by multiple doctors before getting a proper diagnosis.
What Can We Do?
While we don’t yet have all the answers, one thing is clear: we need more research into why this is happening and how to stop it. In the meantime, paying attention to our diets, getting regular exercise, and not ignoring unusual symptoms can go a long way.
Paddy Scott, now a father and studying for a master’s degree, continues to live life fully despite his diagnosis. His story is a reminder that cancer doesn’t just strike the old—and that awareness, early detection, and healthy choices matter more than ever.
Source: https://www.ft.com/content/96a61dc0-249a-4e4e-96a2-2b6a382b7a3b
Comments