The rising tides of cancers among young adults
Fiona André, Elie Rassy, B Achutti-Duso, Alice Boilève, Cristina Smolenschi, S Delaloge, F. Barlesi
Abstract
Cancer is a disease traditionally associated with aging, yet recent trends show a troubling rise in cancers occurring at younger ages, often referred to as ‘early-onset’ cancers.1 Nevertheless, these malignancies remain comparatively understudied, despite their unique challenges and the significant burden they impose. Traditionally, ‘early onset’ referred to patients diagnosed in their adulthood before the age of 50 years, although this definition may be overly simplistic. With nearly 1 million cancers occurring among young adults worldwide, early-onset cancers now represent the leading cause of mortality in this age group in regions with a middle-to-high socio-demographic index—surpassing cardiovascular diseases.