Cancer rates rise among younger adults, prompting screening questions

A Nordic study has found a significant rise in cancer rates among people aged 20 to 49 over the past 20 years, prompting the chair of the Cancer Society to say that breast cancer screening may need to include younger women, KVF reports.

The study, which involved the Health Directorate, examined 18 types of cancer. Incidence increased significantly for 12 of them among people aged 20 to 49, with the sharpest rises reported for thyroid, colon and kidney cancer.

Durita Tausen, chair of the Cancer Society, said the age limit for breast cancer screening might need to be lowered so younger women are also tested.