More young adults, teens in Singapore being diagnosed with cancer

A surge in cancer diagnoses among young adults is becoming increasingly evident, as highlighted by the experience of 25-year-old Joshua Lee of Singapore. What began as dismissed abdominal discomfort in January 2024 ultimately led to a stage 3 testicular cancer diagnosis in July of the same year, a journey that underscores a broader trend of rising cancer incidence in younger populations.

A Personal Battle

Mr. Lee, then a psychology student, initially attributed his abdominal pains to muscle strains from rock climbing. However, after a fall in June 2024 and a subsequent episode of near-fainting, he sought medical attention at Mount Alvernia Hospital. An MRI revealed a mass, leading to further testing and the confirmation of cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes.

The diagnosis presented not only a personal health challenge but also concerns about the impact on his relationships. Mr. Lee, who had begun a new relationship in April 2024, worried about the potential strain on his girlfriend. He even considered giving her an “out” if she wished to end the relationship.

A Growing Trend

Mr. Lee’s case is not isolated. Data from the Singapore Cancer Registry reveals a significant increase in cancer diagnoses among those under 40. There was a 34 percent rise in diagnoses between 2019-2023 (4,995 cases) compared to 2003-2007 (3,729 cases). Looking further back, only 1,710 cases were recorded between 1968 and 1972.

Dr. Gloria Chan, a consultant at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, notes that younger age groups are experiencing faster increases in cancer incidence than older adults. The most rapid increases are observed in individuals under 50, particularly men aged 30-39 and women aged 40-49.

This trend mirrors a global phenomenon. Data from the Global Burden of Disease study indicates a 79 percent increase in early-onset cancer worldwide between 1990 and 2019. A study of over 500,000 people in the United States showed an average annual increase of 0.28 percent in cancer diagnoses among those under 50 between 2010 and 2019.

Specific Cancer Types on the Rise

While no single cancer type is solely responsible for this increase, colorectal cancer is a notable example. In Singapore, incidence has roughly doubled from approximately five per 100,000 in 1968 to nine per 100,000 in 2019, with a particular rise in rectal cancer among young men. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among younger women, showing a steady increase in incidence among those in their 30s and 40s. Blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, also represent a significant proportion of cases in this age group.

Beyond Early Detection

Experts emphasize that the rise in early-onset cancer cannot be solely attributed to improved detection methods. In some cases, mortality rates are actually higher because cancers are detected at more advanced stages in younger people. Researchers have identified a “birth cohort effect,” indicating that each generation born after the 1950s faces a higher cancer risk than the previous one. Someone born in 1990 is four times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than someone born in 1950.

Emerging evidence suggests that changes in the “exposome”—an individual’s cumulative environmental exposures—may be contributing factors. These include the increasing prevalence of ultra-processed foods, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and alterations to the gut microbiome.

Prevention and Screening

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber, is crucial for cancer prevention. Avoiding excess weight, processed meats, red meats, and ultra-processed foods is also recommended. Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption are also important preventative measures. Cancer screenings, such as cervical and breast cancer screenings for women, are also encouraged.

Mr. Lee underwent an orchidectomy in July 2024, followed by 28 sessions of chemotherapy at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). He took a six-month leave of absence from his studies to focus on treatment and recovery. By October 2025, his cancer was in remission, and he completed his degree in December.

He now works with the Singapore Cancer Society as a psychosocial services programmes executive, providing support to cancer patients and survivors. He credits his Catholic faith, family, friends, girlfriend, and a support group for young adults with cancer for helping him through his ordeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the initial symptoms Mr. Lee experienced?

Mr. Lee initially experienced abdominal pains in January 2024, which he initially dismissed as muscle aches from rock climbing.

What is the “birth cohort effect” in relation to cancer risk?

The “birth cohort effect” refers to the observation that each generation born after the 1950s has a higher cancer risk compared to the generation before it.

What lifestyle factors are associated with a lower risk of cancer?

Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and consuming a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber are associated with a lower risk of cancer.

Considering the rising rates of cancer in younger adults, what role do you believe preventative lifestyle choices play in mitigating risk?