How to check for 4 types of cancer increasing in younger people

Yahoo

09-05-2025

In the UK, a growing number of people under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with cancer. Incidence rates of the disease have increased by 22% in people aged 25 to 49, according to data recorded between the 1990s and 2018.
But for the first time, scientists from the National Cancer Institute in the US have pinpointed the main types of cancer young people are at greater risk of developing, with breast, bowel, kidney and uterine varieties topping the list for early-onset cases.
While the study focused on US data, a rise in these cancers is being seen globally, including here in the UK.
Being diagnosed with cancer under the age of 50 is still rare, but oncologists say that spotting symptoms at an early stage, when the disease isn't too large and hasn't spread, increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
Plus, although we tend to associate cancer with lumps and bumps, the disease can cause many different signs and symptoms — some that are specific to certain areas of our body, such as changes to our breasts or skin, or other more general changes, like unexplained weight loss or bloating.
To help you stay on top of home health checks, here's how to look out for the four main cancers increasing in younger populations, plus what to do if you notice anything unusual.
As the most common type of cancer in the UK, breast cancer accounts for 15% of all new cancer cases in the country. Although it's more frequently diagnosed in older women, early-onset cases are rising, with 18% of cases now found in women under the age of 50.
Becoming familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel with regular breast self-exam is one of the best ways to stay on top of any changes.
The NHS advise you should do this once a month, feeling for the following symptoms:
A lump or swelling in your breast, chest, or underarm area
Changes to the skin on your breast, like dimpling (similar to orange peel) or redness
A difference in the size or shape of one or both breasts or either side of your chest. While some asymmetry is normal, look out for any changes that feel unusual for you
Nipple discharge when not pregnant or breastfeeding, which may contain blood
Changes in the appearance of your nipple, such as it becoming inverted or developing a rash that resembles eczema
Sores or ulcers on the chest
After Dame Deborah James died from bowel cancer at the age of 40 (and Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek spoke out about being diagnosed with it at 47), awareness around this type of cancer has greatly increased among younger people.
Also known as colorectal cancer, the main symptoms of the disease tend to show up in stools, so while it's not always pleasant, periodically checking the colour and consistency of your poo before flushing the toilet can potentially save lives.
According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer to look out for include:
Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
Needing to poo more or less often than is usual for you
Blood in your stool, which may look red or black
Bleeding from your bottom
Often feeling the urge to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
Tummy pain
A lump in your tummy
Bloating
Unexplained weight loss
Feeling very tired or short of breath - this can be a sign of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer
By and large, kidney cancer is most likely to be diagnosed in older populations, but there has been a steady and substantial increase in rates across all age groups over the last decade.
The tricky thing about kidney cancer is that most people who are diagnosed don't have symptoms, and it's most often detected by chance during a scan for something else.
Still, there are some possible signs to watch out for, according to the NHS:
Blood in your pee
A lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck
Pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away
Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
Feeling tired or having no energy
A high temperature that does not go away
Sweating a lot, including during the night
While it's more common in women who've been through menopause, anyone with a womb can be diagnosed with uterine cancer.
The most obvious symptom is abnormal bleeding from the vagina, but the NHS say there are many other warning signs to be aware of. These include:
Heavy periods that are unusual for you
Vaginal bleeding between your periods
A change to your vaginal discharge
A lump or swelling in your tummy or between your hip bones
Pain in your lower back or between your hip bones
Pain during sex
Changes to how often you pee and poo (this can be either more, or less, than usual)
The first thing to do is try not to panic. While noticing new health changes can be concerning, the symptoms of cancer often overlap with many other less serious issues, so the NHS say it's more likely to be something else.
However, if it is cancer, spotting it early can make a real difference, as treatment is more likely to be successful in the initial stages.
Your GP should be your first port of call, who can refer you to a specialist for further testing if necessary. If you're worried about cancer, Cancer Research UK has more information on symptoms and screening, as well as 24-hour live chat support.
Read more about cancer:
Four people on what it's really like living with cancer (Yahoo Life UK, 12-min read)
Celebrity Big Brother's Trisha Goddard wants to change the way people talk about cancer (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Five lifestyle changes to cut your risk of cancer (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)