The Alarming Rise of Early-Onset Cancers
The Alarming Rise of Early-Onset Cancers  
Podcast: Science Will Win
Published On: Thu Feb 19 2026
Description: Why are more young adults getting cancer? That's one of the most pressing questions facing the scientific community today. Traditionally thought of as a disease that affects aging populations, recent data shows that cancer diagnoses for people under the age of 50 are increasing. To tackle this problem, it’ll take a global effort. In this episode you’ll hear from patients, oncologists, researchers and health care providers who are coming together to address this issue head on. Featured guests:– Dr. Marshall Anthony Jr., social scientist and colorectal cancer patient– Dr. Johanna Bendell, Chief Development Officer of Oncology, Pfizer– Dr. Yin Cao, molecular cancer epidemiologist; Cao Lab leader, Washington University– Dr. Beatrice Dionigi, colorectal cancer surgeon; founder & co‑director, Early Onset Colon and Rectal Cancer Project, Columbia Research Cancer Center– Dr. Susan Zhang, Global Development Lead, Pfizer OncologyDive into the episode here:00:00 – A patient story reveals an alarming new trend6:30 – The data behind the rise of early-onset cancer 10:39 – The global search for a cause  14:13 – The unique challenges facing young people with cancer 20:28 – Screening guidelines and what to expect from a colonoscopy  25:17 – The importance of early detection  27:59 – The conclusion of Marshall's cancer journey 30:23 – What's next, and closing thoughts Check out our YouTube channel (@Pfizer) to watch the full interview with Raven & Dr. Marshall Anthony Jr. on his colorectal cancer journey.Season 6 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Dr. Raven Baxter. It’s produced by Acast Creative Studios. Hosts in this podcast series were compensated for their time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.