New Report on Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults in Belgium

The Belgian Cancer Registry has published a new report, “Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults – Belgium 2004-2022,” providing key insights into cancer incidence, survival rates, and long-term trends among individuals aged 16 to 35. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer face unique challenges, not only in terms of medical treatment but also concerning fertility, employment, and financial stability.

Key Findings

• On average, 1,737 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in AYAs in Belgium—approximately five per day.

• Five-year survival rates have improved to 88% for males and 91% for females, with long-term survival rates remaining promising.

• Haematological cancers (blood, bone marrow, and lymph node cancers) are the most common in AYAs, followed by breast cancer, melanoma, and testicular cancer—together accounting for more than 60% of diagnoses. This pattern differs significantly from older adults, where prostate and lung cancer are more prevalent.

• Cancer in AYAs is slightly more common in women than men, unlike trends observed in childhood and older adulthood.

Trends Over Time

Between 2004 and 2022, the risk of cancer diagnosis in AYAs increased by an average of 0.8% per year, with the sharpest rise occurring between 2004 and 2014 (2.2% per year) before stabilizing. However, trends vary by cancer type.

The good news is that the mortality risk for AYAs has declined by an average of 2.4% per year between 2004 and 2021. This reflects improvements in treatment and care, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Survival Rates and Prognosis

Prognosis varies widely by cancer type. For example, thyroid cancer has an excellent outlook, with a five-year survival rate exceeding 99%. On the other hand, lung cancer survival remains lower, at around 53%, though it is rare in this age group.

This report highlights the evolving landscape of AYA cancer in Belgium, emphasizing both progress and the continued need for awareness and early detection.

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