Cancer cases are rising faster in those under 50 than in any other age group, a study has found.
Experts warn that young adults’ unhealthy lifestyles are contributing to the rise.
Rates increased 24 percent among people ages 25 to 49 between 1995 and 2019.
It was almost double the 13 per cent rise in the UK population and greater than the 16 per cent rise in under-25s, or 14 per cent in those aged 50 to 74.
Analysis by Cancer Research UK found that among those over 75, most at risk, the increase increased by ten per cent.
Professor Charles Swanton said: “Changes in lifestyles and diets over time, and the rise in obesity, may contribute to the rise in early-onset cancer.”
Obesity, which doubled to around 30% in the same period, has been linked to cancer risks.
This comes as research in the US links foods high in sugar and low in fiber to harmful gut bacteria.
Experts at Ohio State University found that this can trigger inflammation that increases the risk of bowel cancer.
They said people under 50 with cancer had cells that looked 15 years older than they were, potentially due to damage caused by swelling.
Diseases in younger adults are predicted to continue to rise through 2040, Cancer Research added.
Professor Swanton said: “Around four in ten cases of cancer are preventable and not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, being safe in the sun and reducing alcohol consumption make a big difference.”
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