Colorectal cancer is killing more people under 50 than ever before.
The potential causes are complicated.
Cancer most commonly develops in older adults.
Those diagnoses may upend their lives during some of the most formative and pivotal years.
Its a really busy time of life to be faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis, Ng said.
Digestive tract cancers like these increased by 15% over the studys 10-year period.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Why Are Cancer Cases Rising Among Young People?
Researchers largely agree that shifts in lifestyle in the U.S. are key drivers of cancer risk.
The early-onset cancer trends appear to be especially strongly linked to rising rates of obesity.
When you dont know much about risk factors, its difficult to establish prevention strategies.
The U.S. isnt alone.
Theyre healthy, Ng said.
Theyre often marathon runners, and they often follow a healthy diet and eat organically.
Theres something else going on.
Risk Factors for Early-Onset Cancer
Should Young People Get Screened for Cancer?
Healthy people younger than 45 are typically not eligible for cancer screenings except to detect cervical cancer.
Sometimes, for instance, a routine blood test identifies signs of thyroid or kidney cancer.
In some cases, earlier or more frequent screening may not be the answer to early detection or prevention.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted routine medical care for many people.
And that can be a bellwether for future cancer burden, Sung said.
Employers can offer more than youre legally entitled to, but they cant offer less.
More on Cancer Screening and Prevention
Story editing by Daphne Lee and Anisa Arsenault.
Research analysis and data visualization by Julia Ingram.
Fact checked by Nick Blackmer.
Illustration by Mira Norian.
Photo illustrations by Amelia Manley.
Visual editing by Doan Nguyen, Arif Qazi, and Olivia Hunter.
2017;109(8):djw322.
2019;4(3):e137-e147.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.U.S.
