Cancer Isn’t Waiting for 50

A troubling shift is emerging in cancer epidemiology that demands attention from cancer specialists, primary care providers and biopharma innovators alike. A comprehensive analysis by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that between 2010 and 2019, the incidence of 14 cancer types increased among individuals under age 50, even as overall cancer deaths declined.¹

Notably, colorectal and breast cancers showed the most significant rise in younger populations, with colorectal cancer now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women. Alarmingly, colon and uterine cancers not only had higher incidence rates but also increased mortality among younger adults.¹

This pattern isn’t limited to the U.S. Based on several international studies,^2,3  the trend appears to be worldwide in certain cancers. Examining this phenomenon a little closer may shed light on opportunities for collaborative strategies to address this troubling shift in diagnoses while offering a better understanding of the unique needs of patients battling early-onset cancers.

What Is Driving the Increase?

Various ideas have been put forth concerning why some cancers are increasing in younger people. Diet, obesity, alcohol, antibiotics, microplastics, environmental conditions and genetic mutations are often mentioned.⁴ However, no definitive cause has been established. The growing range of theories emphasizes the urgent need for increased efforts to discover what is causing this disturbing trend.

Biopharma and Community Oncology: Key Collaborators In the Search for Answers

Biopharma and community oncology have critical roles to play in determining what is behind the rise in cancers in younger people. The NIH analysis concluded future studies must investigate trends in early-onset cancers across a wide range of demographics and geography.¹  Community oncology is perfectly positioned to do that, as community practices treat more than half of all cancer patients in the U.S.⁵  With practices serving large volumes of a variety of patient populations from rural areas to metropolitan centers, their patients reflect real-world populations.

Biopharma can collaborate with community practices to access electronic health record data, enabling analysis of treatment patterns, mutation prevalence and outcomes in younger versus older patients. These insights can inform clinical trial design, particularly if unique mutations, trends or treatment responses are identified. Once trials are launched, practices can efficiently recruit appropriate patients from their heterogeneous patient populations.

Unique Needs of Younger Patients

Patients battling early-onset cancer face unique challenges, making their needs distinct. They typically juggle work and childcare responsibilities in addition to treatment. Severe emotional distress is common as they face uncertainty about their future and the welfare of their young family. While many have good insurance, maintaining coverage can become problematic if illness affects their ability to work. Early involvement of social workers is recommended, as they can offer counseling and additional support mechanisms to help with job-related issues, insurance matters and funding assistance.

In this digital age, younger patients are seeking connection and reassurance beyond the clinic walls. Many turn to online peer support groups to share experiences and find encouragement from others facing similar challenges. Expanding these resources — and ensuring they are tailored to the realities of younger adults — can make a meaningful difference in helping patients navigate the emotional and logistical disruptions that come with an early cancer diagnosis.

Implications for Patient Management

Caring for younger patients requires a different approach as well. For instance, genetic testing is critical, as treatment options like precision medicine therapies depend on genetic findings.

Sexual health, relationship issues and fertility preservation are also significant concerns for younger patients. Practical barriers, such as insurance coverage and treatment delays, often complicate the situation. Unfortunately, insurance coverage for freezing eggs, embryos or sperm is inconsistent and often inadequate. Medicaid coverage is dependent on the state as there is no federal mandate, making it important for patients to verify their coverage.

A Call to Action

The increase in early-onset cancers caught many of us off guard. Occasionally we saw a young person with colon or breast cancer, but they were viewed as one-offs. Given the volume we now see, that is not the case today. The increased cancer incidence among younger people for certain cancers is real and widespread across the world.

While we may not have seen this issue coming, it is not too late to try to stop this emerging trend. It is critical to raise awareness among patients and primary care providers. Younger individuals should not ignore symptoms even if they fall outside of typical screening guidelines, and providers should not automatically rule out cancer just because a patient is young. Collaborations with cancer-specific organizations and the American Cancer Society could be helpful in raising awareness.

As the landscape of cancer care evolves, biopharma and community practices have a unique opportunity to work together in developing care strategies that include controlling risk factors, adopting effective screening methods and creating tailored support packages to help younger patients navigate the unexpected disruptions caused by a cancer diagnosis.

¹ National Institutes of Health. Incidence rates of some cancer types have risen in people under age 50. National Cancer Institute Press Office. May 8, 2025. Accessed October 2025. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/incidence-rates-some-cancer-typeshave-risen-people-under-age-50

² Danpanichkul P, et al. Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Cancers and Metabolic Risk Factors: Global Trends From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Mayo Clin Proc. 2025 Jul;100(7):1159-1171. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39945699/

³ Sung H, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, et al. Colorectal cancer incidence trends in younger versus older adults: an analysis of population-based cancer registry data. Lancet Oncol. 2025 Jan;26(1):51-63. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(24)00600-4. Epub 2024 Dec 12. PMID: 39674189; PMCID: PMC11695264.

⁴ Phillips C. As Rates of Some Cancers Increase in Younger People, Researchers Search for Answers. National Cancer Institute. May 14, 2025. Accessed October 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/newsevents/cancer-currents-blog/2025/early-onset-cancer-researchenvironment-genetics-support

⁵ Nguyen CA, Beaulieu ND, et al. Organization of Cancer Specialists in US Physician Practices and Health Systems. J Clin Oncol. 2023 Sep 10;41(26):4226-4235. doi: 10.1200/JCO.23.00626. https://pmc.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10852402/