Cancer has traditionally been associated with older age, but growing evidence shows that some types of cancer are increasingly being diagnosed in younger people. This trend has attracted attention from researchers, doctors and public health organizations, particularly because cancer during young adulthood can affect education, careers, relationships, fertility, finances and long-term wellbeing.
It is important, however, to understand the statistics carefully. Not every type of cancer is increasing among young adults, and researchers are still investigating why certain cancers are becoming more common in younger age groups.
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What Does “Young Adult Cancer” Mean?
The definition of a young adult can vary between organizations. The National Cancer Institute generally discusses adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as people between 15 and 39 years old.
In the United States, an estimated 85,480 people in this age group were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025, representing about 4.2% of all new cancer diagnoses. NCI data also show that the rate of new cancer cases among AYAs increased by an average of 0.3% per year from 2013 to 2022, while cancer death rates declined.
For adults aged 20 to 39, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 83,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.
Which Cancers Are Increasing?
The trend is not the same across every cancer type. Research from the National Cancer Institute found that between 2010 and 2019, incidence increased for 14 of 33 cancer types in at least one younger age group. Breast and colorectal cancers were among the cancers showing increases in younger populations.
Among adolescents and young adults, commonly diagnosed cancers include breast cancer, thyroid cancer, testicular cancer and melanoma. Other cancers seen in this age group include colorectal cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, cervical cancer and certain brain and central nervous system tumors.
This variety is important because “cancer in young adults” is not one single disease. Different cancers have different causes, risk factors, treatment options and outcomes.
Why Are Cancer Rates Rising in Some Younger People?
There is no single explanation for the increase. Scientists are investigating a combination of possible influences, and the causes may differ from one cancer to another.
The NCI notes that potential explanations include risk factors becoming more common at younger ages, changes in screening and detection, and changes in diagnosis or cancer coding. Researchers are also studying environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors.
Some established cancer risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, physical inactivity and certain environmental exposures. However, having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop cancer, and many young people diagnosed with cancer do not have an obvious preventable cause.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Researchers are examining whether changes in diet, physical activity, obesity rates, alcohol consumption and other exposures could contribute to some early-onset cancers.
Environmental factors are also being investigated. Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation and pollution can influence cancer risk for particular cancers.
It is important not to oversimplify these findings. Cancer develops through complex biological processes, and researchers have not established one universal cause for the rise in early-onset cancer.
Genetics Can Also Play a Role
Genetic factors can contribute to cancer risk at any age. Some people inherit gene changes that increase their likelihood of developing particular cancers.
A strong family history of certain cancers can sometimes indicate an inherited cancer-predisposition syndrome. In appropriate situations, healthcare professionals may recommend genetic counseling or testing.
However, most people with cancer do not necessarily have an inherited genetic condition. Genetic risk is only one part of the larger picture.
Why Diagnosis Can Be Difficult in Young Adults
One challenge is that cancer is relatively uncommon among younger people compared with older adults. As a result, symptoms may initially be attributed to more common conditions.
The NCI notes that cancers in adolescents and young adults can sometimes be diagnosed at a later stage because cancer is not initially expected in this age group.
Persistent or unusual symptoms should therefore not simply be ignored because someone is young. Symptoms can have many harmless explanations, but continuing changes deserve appropriate medical attention.
The Importance of Awareness
Awareness does not mean assuming every unexplained symptom is cancer. Excessive fear can be just as unhelpful as ignoring health concerns.
Instead, young adults should understand their personal risk factors and pay attention to persistent changes in their health. Depending on age, sex, family history and individual risk, healthcare professionals can advise people about appropriate screening and preventive care.
Following established screening recommendations is particularly important because screening can help detect certain cancers earlier.
Prevention Still Matters
Although not every cancer can be prevented, several healthy habits can reduce the risk of many cancers.
These include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and protecting skin from excessive ultraviolet exposure.
Vaccination can also prevent certain infections associated with cancer. For example, HPV vaccination helps protect against infections that can contribute to several cancers.
Prevention should be viewed as risk reduction rather than a guarantee. Even people who follow healthy lifestyles can develop cancer.
Better Survival Offers Hope
The rise in diagnoses should not obscure another important development: cancer mortality among younger people has been falling.
NCI data show that cancer death rates among adolescents and young adults declined by an average of 0.9% per year from 2014 through 2023.
Advances in diagnosis, surgery, radiation, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and other treatments have improved outcomes for many cancers.
However, survival varies considerably depending on cancer type, stage, biology and access to appropriate treatment.
Supporting Young Adults After Diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis during young adulthood can create challenges that are different from those faced by older patients. Treatment may interfere with college, employment, relationships, fertility planning and financial stability.
Emotional and social support can therefore be an important part of cancer care. Young adults may benefit from connecting with healthcare teams, counselors, support groups and others who have experienced cancer at a similar age.
Final Thoughts
Rising rates of certain cancers among younger people deserve continued research and attention, but the subject should be approached with facts rather than fear. Scientists are still working to understand why some cancers are becoming more common at younger ages, and the reasons are likely to vary by cancer type.
The encouraging news is that cancer death rates among young people have been declining. Greater awareness, appropriate prevention, timely medical evaluation, research and advances in treatment can all contribute to better outcomes.
Ultimately, understanding the changing cancer landscape is not about living in fear of disease. It is about being informed, taking sensible steps to reduce risk and seeking appropriate medical care when something does not seem right.