Bowel Cancer Rates in Under-50s Rising Sharply in England

A global study finds England has Europe's highest increase in early-onset bowel cancer, with diet and lifestyle factors under scrutiny.

Bowel cancer rates in adults aged 25 to 49 have increased by 3.6% annually in England over the past decade, the highest rise in Europe.
Experts attribute the trend to factors such as poor diet, high consumption of ultra-processed foods, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Early-onset bowel cancer remains rare compared to cases in older adults, but its rise globally has prompted urgent calls for further research and awareness.
Symptoms of bowel cancer include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain or lumps.
Scientists are investigating links between ultra-processed foods, gut inflammation, and harmful microbiome changes as potential contributors to the disease.