In 2025, Catalonia registered 43,633 new cancer cases, maintaining the disease as a leading cause of mortality. Within these figures, concern focuses on the 20 to 30 age group, where about 8,000 new diagnoses are expected in 2026, an upward trend oncologists observe worldwide, especially in middle and high-income countries.
Dr. Maria Vidal, an oncologist at Hospital Clínic, emphasizes that data from the European Society of Oncology shows that in adults under 40, cancer affects almost twice as many women as men. In women, the most frequent types are breast, thyroid, and cervical cancer, while in men they are thyroid, testicular, and colorectal.
“"In women, the risk is practically double that in boys. This is a very important factor."
Regarding the causes of this increase, experts point to a combination of factors, where lifestyle (diet, ultra-processed foods, toxic habits) plays a major role. Hormonal factors and the influence of endocrine disruptors, such as parabens and phthalates found in hygiene and cosmetic products, or microplastics, are also highlighted.
Although cancer at young ages can be more aggressive, cure rates are notably high, reaching 80% in most tumors. This is the case of Clàudia, who was diagnosed with the disease at age 28 and was treated at Hospital Vall d'Hebron. Oncologists insist on prevention and education in healthy habits from primary school as essential axes to address this trend.
