
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Cancer is on the rise among younger people and scientists don’t really know why, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://bmjoncology.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmjonc-2023-000049" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>&nbsp;published in&nbsp;<em>BMJ Oncology</em>&nbsp;on Tuesday, an unexplained trend that threatens to strain already stretched healthcare systems and upends much of what we thought we knew about the disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>While cancer still tends to be more common among older people, the number of cancers among people younger than 50—when it is considered to be “early-onset cancer”—has risen over the past three decades, according to the peer reviewed analysis of health data.</p>



<p>Globally, there were 1.82 million new cancer diagnoses and 1.06 million deaths from cancer among under 50s in 2019, the researchers said, respectively a 79% and 28% increase from figures in 1990.</p>



<p>Early-onset cancers of the windpipe and prostate rose most steeply between 1990 and 2019, the researchers found, climbing an estimated 2.28% and 2.23% each year, respectively.</p>



<p>Breast cancer—the most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20cancers%20are,and%20lack%20of%20physical%20activity." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common</a>&nbsp;type of cancer worldwide excluding non-melanoma skin cancer—was responsible for the largest number of cases and associated deaths among younger people, the researchers said, with rates of 13.7 cases and 3.5 deaths per 100,000 people.</p>



<p>Deaths increased most sharply among people with kidney or ovarian cancers and, following breast cancer, cancers of the windpipe, lung, stomach and bowel exacted the highest death toll.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that while rates of early-onset cancer were a concern globally, the rate of new cases in 2019 were highest in wealthy countries in North America, Western Europe and Australasia and lower income countries in Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Oceania suffered disproportionately high death rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>Given trends over the past three decades, the researchers predict new early-onset cancer cases and associated deaths will increase an additional 31% and 21%, respectively, by 2030. People in their 40s are likely to be the most at risk, the researchers said.</p>



<p>Forbes Daily: Get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.Sign Up</p>



<p>By signing up, you accept and agree to our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terms of Service</a>&nbsp;(including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/privacy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Privacy Statement</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



<p>Writing in a linked editorial, researchers from the Center for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast said the findings “challenge perceptions of the type of cancer diagnosed in younger age groups” and “serves as a warning for future burden on healthcare systems” that are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the risks to people aged between 40 and 49, public healthcare systems should consider expanding screening programs, they said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-we-don-t-know">WHAT WE DON’T KNOW</h2>



<p>It is still something of a mystery as to why cancer cases are on the rise among younger people. In essence, cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell proliferation, with cells growing and spreading to other parts of the body. It happens when the genetic information in our cells responsible for keeping cell growth in check is damaged, which explains why it is more common in older people who have had more time to acquire these mutations. Many factors influence the risk of getting cancer, including genetic predispositions, exposure to certain viruses and environmental factors like pollutants, diet, exercise and the use of drugs like alcohol and tobacco and the researchers said there is no single explanation for the rise in early-onset cancers over the past three decades. Better detection through screening and medical system improvements, such as cervical cancer screening in the U.S., could explain part of the increase, the researchers said. Other factors like changing lifestyles, particularly increased rates of obesity and physical inactivity, as well as environmental pollution could also account for some of the increase, they said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



<p>The researchers found that the rates of some early-onset cancers decreased over the three decades studied. New cases of early-onset liver cancer fell by an estimated 2.88% every year, the researchers said, the steepest decline of the cancers studied.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>10 million. That’s roughly how many people died of cancer in 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the World Health Organization. Collectively, cancers accounted for nearly one in every six deaths. The WHO said around one-third of these are due to preventable factors like tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, a diet poor in fruit and vegetables and physical inactivity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/02/23/cancer-will-cost-us-53-trillion-by-2050-researchers-estimate/">Cancer Will Cost U.S. $5.3 Trillion By 2050, Researchers Estimate</a> (Forbes)<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/"></a></p>


UCSF Cancer Center Uses Latest Technologies To Battle Cancer

Cancer Is On The Rise Among Younger People—But Scientists Don’t Know Why


<p>Navigating the murky waters of financial planning in your 20s is no easy task. With the economy perennially in a state of flux and debt on the rise, maintaining a healthy financial life has proven to be even more challenging. We spoke to some finance gurus and experts to glean from them the following that could throw ideas and provide some relief:</p>



<ol type="1"><li><strong>Save.</strong> This money is not for immediate use, it isn’t even for foreseeable use. This money is for the long-term, and can be diversified through a number of different investments and unit trusts. These banking faculties ensure that the money you’re putting away is reaching its maximum potential and will serve you well, when the need for it arises. The amount being saved will depend on monthly income and expenses. Increasing this as you progress to each stage of life is recommended and will serve you well when the time comes to reap these rewards.</li><li><strong>Budget.</strong> Keep track of your monthly expenses and reduce frivolous spending. A detailed review of your expenses in a month can help determine the money you need to cover it. After all essential expenses such as rent or loan repayments, the cost for essential items such as food and toiletries should be calculated next. The last to follow is optional expenses such as eating out or luxury spend. In doing this, it ensures all the important factors are covered while leaving room for the occasional splurge.</li><li><strong>Emergency funds.</strong> Life can be unpredictable. With this come unforeseen costs. To prepare for this, experts recommend creating an emergency fund. This fund is an accumulation of money that is put away to access should the need arise. It can be used on an unexpected medical emergency or sudden job loss. The creation of this ensures that debt is not incurred and long-term savings are spared. It should be placed in a bank account that is quick and easy to access so the funds are available immediately should you need it.</li><li><strong>Assets.</strong> Acquiring assets such as vehicles or property is an important investment into the future. Using the finance options available also has its benefits. Creating a positive credit score is important for anyone especially later on in life when business loans may be needed or when opening accounts. While vehicles depreciate quicker, these are assets that can be kept for years at a time and can be used as collateral for a better model when the opportunity arises. Property is also an investment and does not depreciate.</li><li><strong>Retirement funds.</strong> Time waits for no man and age catches up with us all. This is why saving for retirement is something that should be started as early as possible. Everyone wants to age comfortably. To do this, it means taking the initiative while you’re young. Over and above the pension or preservation fund being accumulated through your job, setting up a retirement annuity is also highly recommended. This ensures that either a lump sum or monthly stipend is received ensuring that you age in style.</li></ol>



<p>Being in your 20s can be exhilarating and terrifying all at once. The events of your 20s are a significant factor in how you approach the rest of your life. The one thing you want to make sure is that your finances are in order. Debt globally is the highest that it has ever been, and the economy is in recession. Preparing now makes sure that you weather the storm. With calmer seas, you’ll reap the rewards instead of being stranded with no lifeline. Let your finances be one of the things you do well in your 20s.</p>


Tag: young people

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA

Cancer Is On The Rise Among Younger People—But Scientists Don’t Know Why

5 Ways To Plan Your Finances In Your 20s