First glance you're in shock, but read the text below.
Cancer rates among people under 50 vary widely across the world, and the patterns shown here reflect a mix of lifestyle factors, environmental exposures and differences in health systems.
Countries with strong diagnostic capacity tend to report higher confirmed incidence because screening, awareness and access to medical care make early detection more likely. This is one reason why parts of Europe, North America and Oceania appear at the upper end of the scale.
The map also highlights regions where recorded incidence is lower. In many cases this does not necessarily mean fewer cases are occurring but can indicate limited access to diagnostic services or incomplete reporting. Variations in population structure also play a role. Countries with younger demographics may show lower incidence rates simply because certain cancers remain more common in older age groups.
Some regions stand out clearly. Australia shows the highest recorded incidence in this age bracket, a trend often linked to ultraviolet exposure and long running public health campaigns that have improved detection. Parts of Europe also show elevated figures, largely reflecting strong healthcare surveillance and established reporting systems.
Overall, the map underscores how global cancer patterns are shaped by a combination of medical capacity, demographic structure and environmental risk factors. It offers a broad snapshot of a complex picture, showing where cases are most likely to be detected and recorded in populations under 50.
www.abc.net.au
