Cancer deaths in young people are falling, except for colorectal cancer

A JAMA study using National Center for Health Statistics data found U.S. cancer death rates for people under 50 fell about 44% from 1990 to 2023, while deaths from colorectal cancer increased and became the leading cause of cancer death in 2023.

A study published in JAMA reports that cancer mortality rates among people under 50 in the U.S. have declined. Researchers analyzed National Center for Health Statistics data covering 1990 to 2023 and found an overall 44 percent drop in death rates for that age group. Most cancer types showed lower death rates, with lung cancer having the largest decrease and declines also reported for brain, pancreatic, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancers. However, deaths from colorectal cancer have increased and colorectal cancer became the leading cause of cancer death in 2023. Key findings: - The study was published in JAMA and used National Center for Health Statistics data from 1990–2023. - Overall cancer death rates for people younger than 50 fell about 44 percent over that period. - Lung cancer showed the sharpest drop in mortality among young people. - Deaths decreased for brain, pancreatic, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancers. - Colorectal cancer deaths increased and became the leading cause of cancer death in 2023. Summary: The reported decline corresponds to fewer cancer deaths overall among people under 50, while the rise in colorectal cancer shifted the pattern of leading causes. Undetermined at this time.