Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have conducted an analysis of cancer statistics in the United States, revealing that from 2010 to 2019, the incidence of 14 cancer types increased among people under age 50. Despite these increases, overall cancer death rates in young people have not risen.
Lead investigator Meredith Shiels, Ph.D., from NIH’s National Cancer Institute, stated, “This study provides a starting point for understanding which cancers are increasing among individuals under age 50.” The causes for these increases are believed to be specific to each type of cancer and may include more common risk factors at younger ages and changes in screening or diagnosis practices.
The study, published on May 8, 2025, in Cancer Discovery, examined trends for 33 cancer types using data from the CDC’s United States Cancer Statistics database and national death certificate data. Researchers found that nine out of the 14 increasing cancers also rose among older groups. However, they noted concerning rises in colorectal and uterine cancer deaths among younger individuals.
Five cancer types showed increased incidence only in younger groups: melanoma, cervical cancer, stomach cancer, myeloma, and bone and joint cancers. Significant absolute increases were observed for female breast cancer with approximately 4,800 additional cases by 2019.
The researchers suggested that rising obesity levels might contribute to these trends. Changes in screening guidelines and technological advances could also lead to earlier diagnoses. Future studies are recommended to explore demographic and geographic trends in early-onset cancers further.
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