Key findings:

• 11 types of cancer are on the rise in individuals aged 20 to 49 in England.
• Approximately 31,000 cancers were diagnosed in this age group in 2023.
• The cancers linked to obesity include thyroid, multiple myeloma, liver, and breast cancers.
• Bowel cancer rates in younger women linked to BMI rose from 0.9 to 1.6 per 100,000 people.

The research highlights a concerning trend: for nine out of the eleven cancers identified, rates are increasing among both younger and older adults. This suggests a broader public health issue rather than isolated cases. Notably, smoking rates among younger adults have decreased by around 2 percent per year over the past two decades, indicating that traditional risk factors alone cannot explain these rising cancer incidences.

Professor Montserrat García‑Closas emphasized that changes in known behavioral risk factors do not account for these trends. The study used national cancer registry data spanning from 2001 to 2019, providing a comprehensive view of evolving cancer patterns.

In particular, about 20 percent of the increase in bowel cancer cases among younger women can be attributed to rising BMI levels. This statistic reinforces the urgent need for public health interventions aimed at addressing obesity across all age groups. Professor Kristian Helin stated that tackling obesity should become a national priority to prevent further increases in cancer cases.

Despite these alarming statistics, experts caution that cancer remains relatively rare among young people. Professor Amy Berrington noted that while rates are increasing, the absolute numbers are still low compared to other age groups. However, the exact causes behind this rise remain unclear and require further investigation.

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The UK government has been contemplating a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, a move that has sparked significant debate. This consideration has been influenced by similar actions taken in Australia, with discussions ongoing for several months.

As of now, a YouGov poll indicates that nearly 75% of UK adults support this ban, reflecting a strong public sentiment towards protecting younger users from potential online harms. However, the support among teenagers is markedly lower, with only 15% expressing favor for such restrictions, according to a poll conducted by Girl Guiding.

Professor Sander van der Linden has raised concerns regarding the lack of empirical evidence to justify a blanket ban on under-16s from social media. He stated, “Blindly instituting wholesale bans for teens takes the ‘evidence’ out of evidence-based policy,” emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach.

Campaigners argue that social media platforms should be held accountable for ensuring safer environments for young users. Simon Blake highlighted the importance of social media as a supportive space for LGBT+ teenagers, who often face higher levels of loneliness and bullying. He remarked, “It’s a place that they meet other people, it’s a place that they see people like them that they can aspire to, to see others and to ask questions and to get support in a world where they may not be able to get it from other places.”

Critics of the proposed ban warn that it could inadvertently push teenagers towards less regulated platforms, potentially exposing them to greater risks. Imogen, a concerned citizen, noted, “Someone in their 30s isn’t going to want to see the violent content that teenagers are seeing, so it’s not solving the issue.”

Freya, another advocate against the ban, stated, “If we put a ban [in place], then that’s just saying we’re the problem.” This sentiment underscores the complexity of addressing online safety without alienating young users.

In light of these discussions, Hannah from Mad Youth Organise has proposed a ‘misery tax’ of 4% on social media companies to fund mental health services, aiming to address the underlying issues faced by young people.

The current state of this debate highlights the tension between protecting young users and allowing them the freedom to engage with social media. As consultations continue, the future of social media access for under-16s in the UK remains uncertain, with details yet to be confirmed.

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