October 6, 2026

expert reaction to press release and analysis from the World Cancer Research Fund about cancer cases in the under 50s in England, including prostate

Scientists comment on a press release and analysis about cancer cases in the under 50s in England from the World Cancer Research Fund.

Prof Prabhakar Rajan, Professor of Urology and Robotic Surgery, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, said:

“These data showing that prostate cancer diagnoses among men under 50 years have more than trebled since 2001 may seem alarming.  Although this cancer is less common in younger men than in older age groups, the sustained increase in diagnoses is notable.  The reasons are likely to be complex and multifactorial. Greater awareness, testing and changes in diagnostic practices may be identifying more cases, while longer-term changes in diet, body weight and physical activity, environmental exposures and genetic or tumour biology may also play a role.

“However, these data should be interpreted with caution: an increase in cases does not necessarily mean an increase in cancer risk, as changes in awareness, testing, access to healthcare and recording may also contribute.  The analysis identifies important trends but cannot establish their causes, and further research is needed to understand what is driving these changes and how best to improve early detection and prevention.”

Rachel Richardson, Methods Support Unit Manager, The Cochrane Collaboration, said:

“These data from the World Cancer Research Fund highlight a concerning trend and it will be important to understand what is causing the rise in cases of certain cancers in younger people.

“However, there are a couple of things to bear in mind.  The number of people under 50 who are diagnosed with cancer is still very low.  The press release states that cases of prostate cancer have more than trebled since 2001: this is correct, but there were only 158 new cases in 2001 and 640 in 2023.  There were also decreases in the number of cases of other cancers, for example oesophageal cancer.

“The second important factor is that we do not know what is driving this increase.  There may be a genuine increase in the incidence of these cancers, but the figures may also be driven by increased screening and testing.  For example, there have been several high-profile public awareness campaigns to encourage testing for (for example) prostate cancer.”

Press release title: ‘Cancer cases increasing in under 50s in England, with prostate cancer showing steepest rise, says charity’, from the World Cancer Research Fund International.

There is no full report or journal paper.

Declared interests

Prof Prabhakar Rajan: “Prabhakar Rajan is a director and founder of healthXY Ltd, has received reimbursement for consultancy and advisory boards from Antev Ltd and Medtronic Ltd, speaker fees from Janssen-Cilag Ltd (Johnson & Johnson), and educational support from Angiodynamics UK Ltd, EDAP TMS S.A., HC 21 Healthcare Ltd, Medtronic Ltd, and Janssen-Cilag Ltd (Johnson & Johnson).”

Rachel Richardson: “No interests to declare.”

For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.