As new research reveals that cancer rates are rising significantly in under-50s, a doctor has revealed three symptoms you ‘must not ignore’.
The latest World Health Organization figures reveal that cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, which is nearly one in six.
Cancer rates rise in under-50s
A new analysis by Cancer Research UK has found that cancer rates in 25 to 49-year-olds increased by 24% between 1995 and 2019. In comparison, cancer rates only rose by 10% in over-75s during the same period.
The data revealed that approximately 100 younger adults in the UK were diagnosed with cancer every day between 2017 and 2019, and almost 30,000 people aged 25 to 49 were diagnosed with the disease in 2019 alone.
“Over recent decades, there has been a clear increase in cancer incidence rates in young adults in the UK,” said Professor Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician. “Evidence suggests that more adults under 50 may be getting cancer than ever before.”
The increase in the number of cancer cases could partly be caused by population growth and improvements in diagnosis. However, changes to lifestyles, diets and rising obesity could also play a part too.
3 cancer symptoms you ‘must not ignore’
Medical doctor Asif Ahmed responded to the new analysis on TikTok, saying: “I agree, I’m definitely seeing cancer a lot more in younger people.”
He then outlined three cancer symptoms you “must not ignore” as the earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of a successful outcome.
1. Any new lump
Firstly, he said that “any new lump” should be a cause for concern, especially if it doesn’t go away after four weeks.
The doctor explained that most of the time a lump won’t be cancerous, and could just be a cyst, lipoma or lymph node.
However, if it’s been there for more than four weeks, it “definitely needs further investigation” and could indicate cancer.
2. Weight loss
The next thing to watch out for is extreme weight loss, which could be another sign of cancer somewhere in the body.
“For cancer to grow, it needs a lot of energy and this can cause people to lose weight,” Dr. Ahmed explained.
If you are losing weight without eating less, exercising more or trying, it’s best to speak to a medical professional.
3. Abnormal bleeding
The third symptom which could “indicate something serious going on” is abnormal bleeding from anywhere on the body.
This could include from the rectum, ears, nose, in your urine or elsewhere.
“If you’ve got any new symptom or anything that’s concerning you, please you to your doctor,” the health expert urged.
The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers, the World Health Organization reveals. Around one-third of cancer deaths are due to tobacco use, being overweight, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of exercise.
Dr. Asif Ahmed (MRCGP, MBBS) is a General Practitioner for the NHS in Milton Keynes, UK. He gained his medical degree from Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry and now shares his health expertise on TikTok.
