The incidence of early-onset cancers in the United States is on the rise, with breast, colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic, and kidney cancers becoming increasingly common among individuals under the age of 50. This trend, highlighted in a study published in Cancer Discovery, underscores the need for enhanced prevention and screening efforts for these age groups.
According to the study’s lead author, Meredith Shiels, Ph.D., MHS, the reasons behind the increase in early-onset cancers are not entirely clear. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States to shed light on this concerning trend.
Analyzing data from 2010 to 2019, the researchers found that among over 2 million cases of early-onset cancer, the majority were diagnosed in females. The most common cancer types in this age group included breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and melanoma for females, and colorectal cancer, testicular cancer, and melanoma for males.
Of the 33 cancer types examined, 14 showed significantly increasing incidence rates in at least one early-onset age group. Some cancers, such as melanoma, cervical cancer, and stomach cancer, saw rising incidence rates exclusively in younger age groups. On the other hand, cancers like female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancer exhibited increasing incidence rates across both early-onset and late-onset age groups.
Notably, the study identified a substantial increase in the number of early-onset cancer diagnoses in 2019 compared to 2010, with female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and uterine cancer accounting for the majority of this increase. While some cancer types showed increasing mortality rates along with rising incidence, others saw a spike in diagnoses without a corresponding increase in mortality.
The findings from this study have significant implications for cancer prevention and early detection efforts, prompting recent guidelines to lower the age for breast and colorectal cancer screening. By comparing incidence trends between early-onset and late-onset age groups, researchers hope to uncover the underlying factors contributing to the development of these cancers.
Despite the strengths of the analysis, such as the use of nationwide data and inclusion of mortality trends, the lack of information on individual risk factors and access to care remains a limitation. Moving forward, further research is needed to delve into the drivers of increasing cancer rates among younger populations and to develop targeted interventions for early-onset cancers.
The study, titled “Trends in Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates in Early-Onset and Older-Onset Age Groups in the United States, 2010–2019,” was published in Cancer Discovery. For more information, you can access the full study via DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-24-1678. This research was conducted by the American Association for Cancer Research, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to understand and address the rising incidence of early-onset cancers in the United States.
