What in the World – Why are more young people being diagnosed with cancer?

Available for over a year

According to the World Health Organisation, around 1 in 5 people will develop cancer during the course of their lifetimes. We usually associate the disease with getting older – but doctors are warning that some cancers are becoming more common in people in their 20s and 30s too.

Data shows that bowel and breast cancer are the most common cancers for young adults, with others such as thyroid and ovarian cancer on the rise too. So, what’s behind this?

In this episode, our BBC Health and Science Correspondent James Gallagher explains why we’re seeing more young people being diagnosed with cancer – and the new treatments scientists are finding to combat the disease. We also hear from Lauren McDermott in Canada, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 22. She shares her story and tells us why she’s encouraging other young people to advocate for their health if they’re showing symptoms.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler, Chelsea Coates and Ash Mohamed
Video producer: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde

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