Early-Onset Cancer Increase Not Tied to Clinically Meaningful Cases
A recent study found that the rise in early-onset cancer incidence doesn't necessarily mean more clinically significant cancer cases.
Researchers, including Patel, MD, MPH, from Harvard Medical School, examined the trend of early-onset cancer in US adults under 50. They noted that since 1992, the incidence of 8 specific cancers has doubled, while mortality rates have remained stable.
- Colorectal and endometrial cancer showed a slight increase in mortality.
- Other cancers had stable or declining mortality rates despite increasing diagnoses, suggesting that the trend is due to improved detection.
The increase in early-onset cancer incidence does not consistently indicate an increase in the occurrence of clinically meaningful cancer.
Author's summary: Study finds early-onset cancer rise not tied to more meaningful cases.