Oncologists from SEOM have expressed concern over the rising incidence of cancer in young adults, specifically between 20 and 30 years old. It is projected that in 2026, more than 8,000 cases will be diagnosed in this age group in Spain, with 3,400 in men and 4,800 in women. The most frequent tumors in this group are breast cancer (20.5%) and thyroid cancer (13.4%).
“"Among the tumors that are growing most in this population, colon, breast, pancreas, stomach, testicle, and endometrium stand out, among others, with possible risk factors such as inadequate diets, microbiota dysfunctions, obesity, or excessive use of antibiotics."
In global figures, the report ‘Cancer figures in Spain 2026’, prepared by SEOM and the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN), estimates that the total number of diagnoses will reach 301,884 cases, a slight increase of 2% compared to the 296,103 registered in 2025. This constant rise is attributed to population growth, population aging (age is a fundamental risk factor), exposure to avoidable risk factors such as tobacco and obesity, and improved early detection.
The most frequently diagnosed cancers in 2026 will be colon and rectum (44,132 new cases), breast (38,318), lung (34,908), prostate (34,833), and urinary bladder (23,929). In women, lung cancer (11,829 cases) remains the third most incident tumor since 2019, due to the increased consumption of tobacco starting in the 70s.
“"The survival of cancer patients in Spain is similar to that of surrounding countries. It is estimated to have doubled in the last 40 years and is likely, albeit slowly, to continue increasing in the coming years, related to the application of new treatments and greater implementation of screening, for example, for colorectal cancer in recent years."
