Global cancer rates in pepole under 50

Alarm over mystery cancer ‘epidemic’ striking under-50s like Kate Middleton as scientists scramble to find cause of startling increase

Scientists are struggling to find the cause of a mysterious cancer ‘epidemic’ that is affecting people under the age of 50.

Kate Middleton’s shock diagnosis last week has highlighted a shocking trend, which top doctors claim is a global problem.

Despite years of research, researchers are puzzled as to what’s behind the problem.

Awareness has increased thanks to the likes of Dame Deborah James, who died of bowel cancer in 2022 aged 40, and better diagnostic methods are believed to have played a role.

But, in the wake of the Princess of Wales news, a surgeon claimed a yet-to-be-discovered factor could be responsible.

Professor Andrew Beggs, a consultant colorectal surgeon and a senior clinical fellow at the University of Birmingham, said: ‘There may be an unknown environmental factor that we have not discovered despite extensive research.’

HOW CANCER RATES ARE INCREASING  

He added: ‘Young-onset cancer is by no means rare.

‘I run a clinic for early-onset cancer in adults and we’re seeing more and more people getting cancer in their 40s.’

Other factors that may also be contributing to the increase are better cancer detection methods, awareness of symptoms and better screening for genetic conditions that increase cancer risk, such as Angelina Jolie’s BR, he added. CA is the gene.

Maya Kennedy, 38, from Hackney, London, today opened up about her cancer journey, drawing parallels with the 42-year-old Princess of Wales.

Ms Kennedy began suffering from nausea in December 2023, which her GP initially put down to acid reflux.