Prostate cancer in under-50s has QUADRUPLED since 2001 as seven cancers surge in younger adults

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

The World Cancer Research Fund has identified seven cancers rising at a "concerning" rate among adults under 50 in England, with prostate cancer cases quadrupling and bowel cancer more than doubling since 2001. Dr Giota Mitrou, the charity's research director, warned the picture is "far wider and more complex" than previously understood, involving multiple cancer types, not just bowel cancer. NHS England's national medical director Professor Frankie Swords urged anyone under 50 who notices a lump, unusual bleeding or unexplained weight loss to see a GP immediately.

Prostate cancer diagnoses in men under 50 rose from one case per 100,000 in 2001 to 3.6 in 2023 — bowel cancer cases nearly doubled to 8.4 per 100,000.

Kidney, womb, liver, pancreas and breast cancers all recorded significant increases in the under-50 age group over the same period.

'Don't put off a simple check-up because you think you're too young — it could save your life,' Professor Swords warned.