'Cancer doesn't discriminate by age': Warning as cases rise among people under age 49

Influencer and breast cancer patient Jennifer Wrynne launches the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day 2026 on World Cancer Day. Picture: Andres Poveda

The Irish Cancer Society and OECD have warned of “concerning” rises in cancer among people under 49, particularly among younger women.

Since the year 2000, the number of new cancer cases has surged by about 30% for both sexes, said the OECD. However, it said fewer people are dying from the disease, with death rates falling by 18% among women and 26% among men.