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Cancer rates are rising for young people under the age of 50, and one doctor is urging people to learn what they should be looking out for. Young people are more likely to dismiss the early warning signs of these serious conditions, rather blaming stress, diet or lifestyle choices, and not checking with their GP.

Radiation oncologist Dr Jiri Kubes warns that missing these subtle early symptoms could lead to delayed diagnosis and impact your prognosis. He urged younger adults tolisten to their bodiesand trust their instincts.

According to Cancer Research UK, 25 to 49-year-olds have seen a 24% increase in cancer rates between 1995 and 2019. Although nine in 10 cancer cases are still occurring in people over 50.

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The bigger risk for young people is potentially delaying their own diagnosis because they are dismissing their symptoms. The doctor adds: “The goal is awareness, not fear. Cancer risk is no longer confined to older generations, and people need to recognise that.” Early symptoms the under 50s shouldn’t ignore include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Lumps or swelling that don’t go away
• Frequent headaches or neurological changes
• Unusual bleeding or pain that persists

The expert explains how to tell the difference between a potential cancer warning sign and minor health issues caused by modern life. He says: “Persistent changes are what matter. Ongoing digestive issues, unexplained weight loss, unusual lumps, changes in bowel habits or fatigue that doesn’t improve should never be ignored - even in your 20s or 30s.”

If you are experiencing these symptoms, there’s no need to panic but it’s advised to see a medical professional. Dr Kubes emphasises that “duration matters more than severity”, and any symptoms lasting weeks should be seen to.

Early diagnosis can dramatically change outcomes and how aggressive treatment needs to be. For younger patients with decades ahead of them, this can have a drastic impact on their quality of life in the long run.

The medical director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague adds: “If something feels wrong and it doesn’t go away, get it checked. Being proactive is not overreacting. Early action saves lives.”

Researchers are trying to get to the bottom of why more young people are facing cancer diagnoses. Dr Kubes notes that many aspects of modern life could be to blame. Risk factors for cancer that are common in modern life:

• Sedentary lifestyles
• Poor diet
• Obesity
• Environmental pollutants
• Smoking
• Alcohol