Developing cancer-control policies to address the cancer burden among young adults

Cancer among adults under 50 years of age, known as early- or young-onset cancer, is increasing globally at an alarming rate. So far, attention has primarily focused on documenting this epidemiological trend. Understanding its causes and formalizing cancer control plans to improve early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care remain limited. This situation is particularly urgent in regions where young adults account for a substantial proportion of all cancer cases. The 2017 World Health Assembly resolution called for countries to develop and implement National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs). These plans play a key role in guiding cancer control at a national level and aligning global efforts, being updated every 10 years. All data used for the analyses are publicly available at the Global Cancer Observatory, a global database established by the International Agency for Research in Cancer.