Bowel and Ovarian Cancers Are Dramatically Rising in Young Adults and Scientists Aren’t Sure Why

Cancer rates are rising among adults aged 20–49 in England, according to registry data from 2001 to 2019.

Bowel and ovarian cancers increased mainly in younger adults, rather than across older age groups.

Researchers linked part of the rise to obesity, smoking, alcohol, inactivity, and diet, but these factors do not fully explain the trend.

The findings point to a growing cancer burden in younger people and may influence future screening and prevention strategies.