Cancer is striking the young experts reveal common risk factors [Video]

When Kate Middleton announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer last week, many were shocked that the 42-year-old future queen had received a diagnosis at such a young age.

But the Princess of Wales is part of what some scientists are calling an ‘epidemic’ of early onset cases in the under-50s.

Cancer in younger adults is surging, statistics – and doctors – are warning us. A 2023 study found there’s been a 79% increase in new cancer cases in the under 50s in the past three decades.

But scientists tell Metro.co.uk they are unsure about what’s causing the mystery rise, with myriad factors at play.

Generally, our risk of getting cancer increases as we get older. Around 90% of all cancer cases affect people over the age of 50.

However, several recent studies have highlighted a sharp rise in cases among younger people.

One study, which looked at data from 204 countries, found there were 3.26 million new cancer …