Why are more young people being diagnosed with cancer?
Doctors are warning that some cancers are becoming more common in people in their 20s.
According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 5 people will develop cancer during the course of their lifetimes. We usually associate the disease with getting older - but doctors are warning that some cancers are becoming more common in people in their 20s and 30s too.
Data shows that bowel and breast cancer are the most common cancers for young adults, with others such as thyroid and ovarian cancer on the rise too. So, what鈥檚 behind this?
91福利社 Health and Science correspondent James Gallagher explains why we are seeing more young people being diagnosed with cancer - and the new treatments scientists are finding to combat the disease. We also hear from Lauren McDermott in Canada, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 22. She shares her story and tells us why she is encouraging other young people to advocate for their health if they are showing symptoms.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producer: Emily Horler, Chelsea Coates and Ash Mohamed
Editor: Verity Wilde
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- Thu 28 May 2026 17:50GMT91福利社 World Service News Internet
- Fri 29 May 2026 02:50GMT91福利社 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
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What in the World
Helping you make sense of what鈥檚 happening in your world.