Obesity a key factor for rising cancer rates in young people in England, study finds

Maintaining a healthy weight could prevent about 20% of bowel cancers, according to researchers. Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA

Obesity is a key factor for the rising rates of cancer among younger people in England, according to a study.

There are 11 types of cancer, including bowel and ovarian cancer, that are increasing among people aged 20 to 49 between 2001 and 2019, according to analysis by researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London.