The Alarming Rise of Cancer in Younger Adults

by Jason Eastty on Apr 05, 2025

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Paul Currier

The Alarming Rise of Cancer in Younger Adults: Why Proactive Testing is a Solution

 

Cancer has long been considered a disease of aging, but recent studies reveal a disturbing trend: more young adults (under 50) are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before. From colorectal to breast cancer, early-onset cases are surging globally, catching many by surprise.

The problem? Most insurance policies only cover testing after symptoms appear and by then, it's often too late. At Healthspan Longevity, we believe in proactive health monitoring through advanced biomarker testing to catch risks early, when interventions are most effective.

The Shocking Increase in Early-Onset Cancer

Global Trends Show a Sharp Rise in Young Adult Cancers

A 2023 study in BMJ Oncology analyzed cancer trends from 1990–2019 and found:

  • Early-onset cancers (ages 14–49) increased by 79.1% worldwide

  • Deaths from these cancers rose by 27.7%

  • The fastest-growing cancers include colorectal, breast, esophageal, and prostate cancers

Colorectal Cancer is Hitting Younger Adults Hardest

A 2017 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found:

  • People born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950.

  • The rise is most severe in high-income countries, suggesting diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors

Breast Cancer is Increasing in Women Under 50

A 2023 JAMA Network Open study reported:

  • Breast cancer rates in women under 50 rose by 3.8% per year from 2016–2019.

  • The increase is most pronounced in Black and Hispanic women

Why Is Cancer Rising in Younger People?

While genetics play a role, experts point to modern lifestyle and environmental factors, including:

  • Poor diet (processed foods, low fiber, high sugar)

  • Obesity and metabolic disorders (linked to at least 13 types of cancer)

  • Sedentary lifestyles

  • Environmental toxins (microplastics, pollution, endocrine disruptors)

  • Changes in gut microbiome (from antibiotics, ultra-processed foods)

The 2022 Lancet study on global cancer risks confirmed that preventable factors (like obesity and smoking) account for nearly half of all cancer deaths.

The Fatal Flaw in Traditional Healthcare: Waiting for Symptoms

Insurance Companies Only Pay for Testing After You're Sick

Most health insurance plans follow a reactive model:

  • No coverage for preventive cancer screening unless you're over 50 (or 40 for breast cancer).

  • By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have already spread.

Late-Stage Cancer is Harder (and More Expensive) to Treat

  • Stage 1 colorectal cancer has a 90% 5-year survival rate.

  • Stage 4 drops to just 14% yet more young adults are diagnosed at advanced stages because testing isn't done early enough.

The System is Failing Younger Adults

A 2021 JAMA study found that under-50 colorectal cancer cases increased by 2% per year yet screening guidelines haven't kept pace.

The Solution: Proactive Biomarker Testing with Healthspan Longevity

At Healthspan Longevity, we believe early detection is the best defense against cancer.

How Our Proactive Testing Works

We use cutting-edge blood biomarker analysis to detect early warning signs of cancer and other chronic diseases, including:

  • Inflammation markers (linked to cancer risk)

  • Metabolic health indicators (like insulin resistance, a known cancer driver)

  • Tumor markers (when appropriate, based on risk factors)

Why Insurance Won't Cover This (But You Should)

  • Insurance companies wait until you're sick to pay for tests.

  • Proactive testing is an investment in your future health. Catching risks early means better outcomes and lower treatment costs.

Who Should Get Tested?

  • Adults over 18 (especially with a family history of cancer)

  • Those with high-risk lifestyles (poor diet, sedentary habits, obesity)

  • Anyone who wants true preventive care (not just reactive medicine)

Take Control of Your Health Before It's Too Late

The rise of cancer in younger adults is a public health crisis, but you don't have to be a statistic.

At Healthspan Longevity, we empower you with data-driven, proactive health insights so you can act before symptoms appear.

Don't wait for a diagnosis. Test early, intervene sooner, and live longer.

Learn more about our biomarker testing today.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancer in under-50 adults is rising globally especially colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers.

  • Insurance only covers testing after symptoms often too late for early intervention.

  • Proactive biomarker testing can detect risks early, when treatment is most effective.

  • Healthspan Longevity offers advanced testing to help you stay ahead of disease.

Your healthspan matters. Test early, live better.

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