According to WebMD, Age Is a Major Risk Factor for Cancer

According to WebMD, age is one of the many factors that increase the risk of developing cancer (with a few exceptions). The risk of cancer generally begins to rise significantly after the age of 45–50.

A study published in August 2024 by researchers from the American Cancer Society in The Lancet Public Health identified at least 16 types of cancer that are more common among older adults than in younger comparison groups.

Another study published in JAMA Network Open in 2023 found that people in their 30s—particularly young women—experienced a disproportionately high rate of cancer diagnoses between 2010 and 2019. Breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and colorectal cancer were the most frequently diagnosed cancers among people under 50. Appendix cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer also showed some of the fastest growth rates in this age group.

16 Types of Cancer That Become More Common With Age

According to Verywell Health, the following 16 cancers tend to occur more frequently as people get older:

1. Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon, the longest section of the large intestine. It is one of the most common cancers and has shown a trend toward younger onset in recent years.

Risk factors: Age over 50, smoking, lack of exercise, poor lifestyle habits, family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms: Digestive disturbances, constipation, changes in stool shape (thin or flattened stools), unexplained weight loss, and blood in the stool.

2. Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is most common in women over 60. It begins in the lining of the uterus and may spread to nearby tissues.

Risk factors: Hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), postmenopausal hormone therapy, obesity, family history, older age, and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge (especially after menopause), pelvic pain, changes in bowel or urinary habits, painful intercourse, and unexplained weight loss.

3. Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)

A rare cancer that originates in the cells lining the bile ducts. Risk increases with age, particularly after 65.

Symptoms: Jaundice, itchy skin, abdominal pain, bloating, low-grade fever, dark urine, pale stools, unexplained weight loss, enlarged liver, and pain in the upper-right abdomen.

4. Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is most commonly diagnosed between ages 60 and 70 and is more common in men.

Symptoms: Blood in the urine, pain on one side of the body, an abdominal mass, unexplained weight loss, low-grade fever, anemia, loss of appetite, and bone pain in advanced stages.

5. Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer most often occurs between ages 50 and 80, especially after age 70, and is rare before age 40. It has a high mortality rate because it is difficult to detect early.

Symptoms: Painless jaundice, itchy palms and soles, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, upper abdominal or back pain, foul-smelling fatty stools, diarrhea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

6. Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells and can affect various parts of the body. Most patients are diagnosed after age 65.

Symptoms: Anemia, bone pain (especially in the back, neck, shoulders, pelvis, or hips), fatigue, weakness, elevated calcium levels, kidney dysfunction, and unexplained weight loss.

Less common symptoms include enlarged liver or spleen, swollen lymph nodes, numbness, and fever.

7. Stomach (Gastric) Cancer

Both cardia and non-cardia stomach cancers are most common between ages 40 and 60. Men are about twice as likely as women to develop gastric cancer.

Symptoms: Persistent upper abdominal pain, frequent belching, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, black stools, gastrointestinal bleeding, and difficulty swallowing.

8. Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow. Risk increases with age and is particularly common between ages 50 and 60.

Symptoms: Fever, chills, severe fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, easy bruising or bleeding, night sweats, and bone pain.

9. Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer develops from abnormal cells in the testicles, usually germ cells. Risk tends to decline after age 65.

Symptoms: A lump, swelling, thickening, or discomfort in a testicle, heaviness in the scrotum, groin pain, lower back pain, chest pain, breathing difficulties, or enlarged neck lymph nodes if the cancer spreads.

10. Small Intestine Cancer

This cancer is most common between ages 50 and 70 and is slightly more common in men.

Symptoms: Cramping abdominal pain, sudden weight loss, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and bowel obstruction.

11. Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer

ER-positive breast cancer grows in response to estrogen. It is more common in women over 50. In Vietnam, more than 80% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over 45.

Symptoms: A breast lump, changes in breast shape, nipple discharge, breast or nipple pain, and skin dimpling.

12. Ovarian Cancer

Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed after age 50, with risk increasing significantly after age 60.

Symptoms: Lower abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, loss of appetite, unexplained weight changes, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and pain during intercourse.

13. Liver Cancer

Liver cancer risk generally increases with age and is most common between ages 50 and 60. However, unhealthy lifestyle habits have contributed to rising cases among younger adults.

Symptoms: Right-sided abdominal pain, abdominal lumps, right shoulder pain, jaundice, dark urine, persistent itching, unexplained weight loss, fever, nausea, vomiting, early satiety, acid reflux, and shortness of breath.

14. HPV-Unrelated Oral and Throat Cancer

Oral cancer most commonly affects people between 50 and 70 years old, while throat cancer is more common in men aged 40–60.

Symptoms: A persistent sensation of something stuck in the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing or speaking, ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, coughing up blood, bad breath, fatigue, appetite loss, and unexplained weight loss.

15. Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is more common in men and typically occurs between ages 50 and 80.

Risk factors: Weakened immune system, HPV infection, smoking, unsafe sexual practices, and chronic anal fistulas.

Symptoms: Anal itching, rectal bleeding, a lump near the anus, pain or pressure in the anal area, increased bowel urgency, diarrhea, constipation, and changes in stool shape.

16. Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma is a slow-growing cancer affecting blood vessel lining cells. It can appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the nose, throat, mouth, and other body areas.

Symptoms: Purple or red skin lesions, especially on the lower legs, or lesions in the mouth, nose, and throat. Advanced disease may cause enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal pain, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, breathing difficulties, and respiratory failure.

Cancer Prevention for Older Adults

One of the most important strategies for preventing cancer in older adults is to undergo regular health checkups and cancer screenings, especially for individuals with risk factors or a family history of cancer.

In addition, older adults should:

• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress and maintain a positive outlook
• Follow recommended cancer screening schedules

While the risk of many cancers increases with age, it is important to remember that cancer can develop at any age. Paying attention to unusual symptoms and seeking medical evaluation early can significantly improve outcomes and treatment success.