Headline: Seven Early-Onset Cancer Types Rise Significantly Among Under-50s in England

Date: 6 October 2026

Tags: Health, Cancer, NHS, Medical Research

Summary:

• Seven cancer types have recorded significant increases among people under 50 in England, according to World Cancer Research Fund analysis.

• Researchers compared NHS cancer diagnosis rates between 2001 and 2023.

• Prostate cancer rates among under-50s rose from one to 3.6 cases per 100,000 people.

• Bowel cancer rates more than doubled, increasing from 3.9 to 8.4 cases per 100,000.

• Early-onset uterine and kidney cancer rates also more than doubled, reaching 3.9 and three cases per 100,000 respectively.

• Breast cancer rates among under-50s increased from 42 to 47.5 cases per 100,000.

• Early-onset pancreatic and liver cancer rates also increased, while under-50 lung cancer rates declined.

• Similar increases in kidney and bowel cancers were identified in the Netherlands and United States.

• WCRF cited obesity, diet, inactivity, alcohol, smoking and environmental factors as potential contributors, although causes remain incompletely understood.

• The Government says earlier diagnosis, genetic testing, new technologies and cancer research are priorities within its national cancer plan.

Why this matters: Cancer remains substantially more common among older adults, but rising diagnosis rates among younger people could affect prevention, screening and research priorities.

What’s next: Researchers are investigating possible causes, including a 250,000-person study examining diet, lifestyle and environmental factors linked to early-onset bowel cancer.