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Why are more younger adults getting cancer?

Cases of breast, colorectal and other cancers are surging in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

The number of cancer cases among the under-50s around the world appears to have risen sharply in the past 30 years. Studies have shown that there are rising cases of breast, colorectal and other cancers in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. But what is driving the increase in younger adults getting cancer and can anything be done to stop it?

Presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to freelance health journalist David Cox about what scientists think could be driving this worrying trend.

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Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Eleanor Sly

Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Phil Bull

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: China Collins

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26 minutes

Last on

Wed 26 Feb 2025 11:32GMT

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  • Wed 26 Feb 2025 11:32GMT

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