New research shows a 79% increase in new cancer cases worldwide among individuals under the age of 50 over the past three decades, likely due to lifestyle factors.

Breast cancer accounted for the largest number of early onset cases in this age group in 2019. However, tracheal and prostate cancers have increased the fastest since 1990.

The cancers that caused the most deaths and compromised health among younger adults in 2019 were breast, tracheal, lung, bowel, and stomach cancers.

Lifestyle factors such as diets high in red meat and salt, low in fruit and milk, alcohol consumption and smoking, as well as physical inactivity, overweight and high blood sugar levels contribute to this.

The study underscores the need for prevention, early detection measures and optimal treatment strategies for early-onset cancers. Genetic factors are also likely to play a role.