Title: What in the World

Episode Details: World Service, 28 May 2026, 13 mins

Why are more young people being diagnosed with cancer?

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While cancer is typically linked to aging, the World Health Organization reports that approximately one in five individuals will develop the disease at some point in their lives. However, medical professionals are raising alarms about a growing trend: certain types of cancer are increasingly affecting people in their twenties and thirties.

Current data indicates that bowel and breast cancers are the most prevalent among young adults, while incidences of thyroid and ovarian cancers are also climbing. To investigate the causes behind this surge, BBC Health and Science correspondent James Gallagher discusses the factors contributing to higher diagnosis rates in younger demographics and explores emerging scientific treatments designed to fight the illness.

The program also features Lauren McDermott from Canada, who received a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 22. She recounts her personal experience and urges other young individuals to be proactive about their health and advocate for themselves if they notice any warning signs.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Emily Horler, Chelsea Coates, and Ash Mohamed Editor: Verity Wilde Programme Website

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-28 13:30:00 UTC