Dietary risk factors, such as high red meat consumption, low fruit intake, excessive sodium consumption, and insufficient milk consumption, along with alcohol and tobacco use, were identified as the primary culprits

Between 1990 and 2019, the global incidence of early-onset cancer surged by a staggering 79.1% whereas the number of early-onset cancer-related deaths rose by by 27.7%, a global study on the disease has revealed

The study, based on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study, examined 29 different types of cancers and their trends over the years.

Early-onset breast cancer, along with tracheal, bronchus, lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers, were identified as the most lethal forms of cancer in 2019. These cancers also accounted for the highest Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).

Nasopharyngeal and prostate cancers exhibited the fastest-growing incidence rates among early-onset cancers, while liver cancer saw a significant decline.

The burden of early-onset cancer was found to be highest in regions with a middle to high Sociodemographic Index (SDI). As SDI increased, the mortality rate decreased significantly, particularly when it rose from 0.7 to 1.

The SDI combines information on the economy, education, and fertility rate of countries around the world, as a representation of social and economic development.

The study indicates a potential 31% increase in the global number of early-onset cancer cases and a 21% rise in related deaths by the year 2030.

The study found that Individuals aged 40 to 49 years old are particularly susceptible to early-onset cancers, emphasizing the need for early detection and prevention in this age group.

“It is necessary to conduct prospective life-course cohort studies to explore the aetiologies of early-onset cancers, and each country should adjust their prevention strategies based on the characteristics of early-onset cancer,” the study suggests. “Meanwhile, encouraging a healthy lifestyle could reduce early-onset cancer disease burden.”

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