Obesity and alcohol are fuelling a worrying rise in cancer among the under-50s, a study suggests.

The number of cases among younger cancer patients has soared by 79 per cent in the last three decades, research found.

The growth is particularly prominent among wealthy countries like the UK, suggesting lifestyle factors are largely to blame.

Researchers analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study for 29 cancers in 204 countries and regions.

They looked at new cases, deaths, health consequences and risk factors in people aged 14 to 49, estimating an annual percentage for each year.

In 2019, there were 3.26 million new cancer diagnoses for under-50s, an increase of 79.1 per cent since 1990.

The biggest increases were among prostate and windpipe cancers, rising by 2.28 per cent and 2.23 cent per year respectively – or more than 66 per cent since 2019.

Breast cancer made up the largest proportion of cases – 13.7 per every 100,000 people, according to the findings published in the BMJ.

Scientists said that while genetics are likely to play a part, lifestyle factors were also contributing.

Diets high in red meat and salt, and low in fruit and milk alongside alcohol consumption, tobacco use, physical inactivity and high blood sugars are the main risk factors underlying the most common cancers among the under 50s.

Around two-thirds of adults and 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school, some of the worst rates in the world.

But Dr Xue Li, of the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute who led the study, said while early-onset cancer in the UK showed an upward trend from 1990 to 2010, the overall incidence rate remained stable from 2010 to 2019.

She said: ‘Fortunately, the annual mortality rate from early-onset cancer in the UK has been steadily decreasing, a testament to the outstanding cancer screening and treatment efforts over the past three decades.’

It comes after the charity Cancer Research UK claimed advances in cancer care have helped save 1.2 million lives in the UK since the mid-1980s.

The figure includes an estimated 560,000 fewer lung cancer deaths, 236,000 deaths from stomach cancer, 224,000 bowel cancer deaths and 17,000 breast cancer deaths.

Dr Claire Knight, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: ‘It’s not fully clear what is driving the rise in early-onset cancers, but exposure to risk factors in earlier life, better detection of cancer and genetics might all play a part.’

She added: ‘We need more research to examine the causes of early-onset cancer for specific cancer types, like our BCAN-RAY study that is looking at new ways to identify younger women at higher risk of breast cancer.’

James Harden was spotted at the US Open Cup semifinal between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night as his bitter standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers continues.

Harden, a 10-time NBA All Star, was fined $100,000 by the league this week following his astonishing verbal attack on 76ers president Daryl Morey.

The point guard took aim at Morey earlier this month over his failed attempts to agree a trade with the LA Clippers, branding him a ‘liar’ while vowing to never play under him again after talks broke down.

And three days after his outburst, when asked if it was too late to salvage his Sixers career, Harden added: ‘I think so’. 

Following his public comments, the NBA launched an inquiry into comments it felt ‘indicated he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team.’

In the end Harden was handed a $100,000 fine, which the NBPA plans to dispute as it does not believe he violated any rules against public trade demands.

As his fallout with Philadelphia continues, Harden was seen kicking back and relaxing at the US Open Cup soccer semifinal on Wednesday night.

As Houston claimed a 3-1 victory Real Salt Lake in extra time – setting up a final showdown with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami – the Sixers outcast watched on from the stands at Texas’ Shell Energy Stadium.

Hector Herrera fired Houston in front on the night, before Anderson Julio’s equalizer with 26 minutes remaining forced extra time.

It was there where the hosts prevailed, with goals from Adalberto Carrasquilla and Luis Caicedo sending them through to the final.

Brayan Vera also saw red for Real Salt Lake in the dying stages of extra time before Houston were confirmed as finalists. 

Earlier in the evening, Miami booked its place in the final by toppling Cincinnati on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in 120 minutes.

Harden is expected to report to the Sixers’ training camp in September after he was informed that a suitable trade with the Clippers hadn’t been found, despite the point guard claiming his relationship with the franchise is fractured beyond repair. 

He first ripped into Morey while at a basketball camp in China, accusing the Philadelphia chief of dishonesty after talks over a move to the Clippers were ended. 

‘Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,’ he said. 

‘Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.’

Harden reportedly told league investigators that his comment was referring to Morey telling him that he will trade him ‘quickly’ following the $35.6 million opt in for 2023-24.