Certain cancers on the rise in younger adults Image By EPN Staff New data shows that certain cancers are increasing among younger Americans. The National Institutes of Health recently reported while the incidence rates of nine types of cancer rose among all ages, five more increased only among those under the age of 50. The cancers were: Melanoma Cervical Stomach Myeloma Cancer of the bones and joints Why it matters The researchers suggested that increasing obesity and other risk factors may have led to some of the increases in early-onset cancers. They said cancer-screening guideline changes and increased observation of high-risk individuals, among other factors, also may have led to more detection. Colorectal cancer is increasing among all age groups , with an annual increase of 2% of diagnosed cases in those 20-39 years old since the mid-1990s. The alarming trend has led to a change in cancer screening recommendations. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed its recommended age for colon cancer screenings (colonoscopies) from 50 years and older to 45 and up. The USPSTF is an independent panel of medical professionals that makes recommendations on health screenings and tests, which guide patients and their doctors on care, and can influence health insurance coverage. Likewise, in 2024, the USPSTF reduced the age at which women should begin breast cancer screening (mammograms) from 50 years old to 40, for those at average risk. The bigger picture Notably, the total rate of cancers overall – and the rate of cancer-related deaths – did not rise, according to researchers, due to a decrease in the incidence of 19 other cancers, including lung and prostate. That data was analyzed from 2010 to 2019. Overall, cancer death rates are trending downward. In its annual report, the NIH said the number of deaths due to cancer steadily declined for both men and women between 2001 and 2022. Among the findings: Lung cancer decreases were credited to a reduction in smoking More breast cancer cases were reported due to more screening, but deaths decreased Death rates in children decreased until recently, when the decline “slowed and stabilized” Additionally, although the NIH reported an increase in cervical cancer in those under 50, another study by the institute suggested the introduction of the human papillomavirus vaccine in 2006 may be helping to protect more Americans. The vaccine is used to combat HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer, and data showed a decreasing incidence among vaccinated adults.
