Cancer rates climb in young adults, study finds

A major US study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has documented a rise in early onset cancers – those diagnosed under age 50 – with significant increases in breast, colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic and kidney cancers. Over 63% of cases involved women.

Greek physicians from the Therapeutic Clinic at the Alexandra Hospital, including professors Theodora Psaltopoulou, Thanos Dimopoulos and Maria Kaparelou, noted that the findings underline a growing cancer risk among younger generations.

The study, published in Cancer Discovery, analyzed US cancer incidence data from 2010 to 2019 and mortality through 2022. Greek experts stressed that the increase is not solely due to improved diagnostics but may also reflect changes in environmental or genetic risk factors.

In Greece, the national screening initiative “Prolambano” offers early detection for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers. Deputy Health Minister Eirini Agapidaki said the program has so far helped save 65,000 lives.

Experts emphasized the need for prevention and earlier diagnosis across age groups. 

Kathimerini