CANCER cases are rising faster in the under-50s than any other age group, a study has found.
Experts warn that unhealthy living by young adults is playing a part in the increase.
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Rates rose 24 per cent in 25 to 49-year-olds between 1995 and 2019.
It was nearly double the 13 per cent increase for the UK population and greater than the 16 per cent rise in under-25s, or 14 per cent in those aged 50 to 74.
Analysis by Cancer Research UK found that among the over-75s, at highest risk, it was up ten per cent.
Prof Charles Swanton said: “Changes to lifestyles and diets over time, and rising obesity, may all contribute to the uptick in early-onset cancer.”
Obesity, which has doubled to around 30 per cent over the same time period, has been associated with cancer risks.
It comes as US research linked foods high in sugar and low in fibre to bad gut bacteria.
Experts at Ohio State University found it could trigger inflammation that raises the risk of bowel cancer.
They said under-50s with cancer had cells that looked 15 years older than they are, potentially due to swelling damage.
Illness in younger adults is projected to keep rising into the 2040s, Cancer Research added.
Prof Swanton said: “Around four in ten cancer cases are preventable and not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, being safe in the sun and cutting down on alcohol all make a big difference.”