Cancer-control policies urged to address cancer burden among adults under 50

A Nature Medicine article calls for cancer-control policies to address the growing burden of cancer among adults under 50. The authors describe a global increase in early-onset cancer, noting that attention has largely focused on documenting incidence trends, while understanding of causes and formal planning for early detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship remain limited. They emphasize particular urgency in regions where young adults account for a substantial proportion of cancers. The article points to National Cancer Control Plans as tools for setting country-level priorities and coordinating global efforts, following the 2017 World Health Assembly resolution on cancer prevention and control. These plans typically define performance indicators and goals, updated every 10 years. A data-availability statement identifies the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Global Cancer Observatory as the source for the article’s analyses. However, the accessible preview provides no methods, numerical results or specific policy recommendations, limiting assessment of the evidence and clinical implications. The authors declare no competing interests.