Chadwick Boseman

Kate Middleton's unexpected diagnosis of cancer at the age of 42 has put cases of the disease among young adults in the spotlight, but she is far from alone with such cases on the rise. Chadwick Boseman, The Wanted singer Tom Parker, and journalist Deborah James are among the three most famous people to have been killed by cancer before the age of 50, medically classified as 'early-onset' cancer. Some, like actress Oliva Munn, who at 43, have been diagnosed with breast cancer, while others that have not been diagnosed before the age of 50, include Michael C Hall of Dexter fame, Sofia Vergara of Modern Family, Stars Wars actor Ewan McGregor, and actress Kylie Minogue. According to UK results, although cancer rates have risen in both age groups, young people have died at a much faster rate. According to Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the cancer rate among younger Britons (ages 25 to 49) is now 162.4 cases per 100,000 people, up 21% from the 1990 figures.

Colon cancer diagnoses are on the rise, particularly among young adults, and the disease is expected to become the nation's leading killer among people under the age of 50 by 2030.

Although overall cancer rates have gradually decreased in recent decades, doctors have been pleasantly surprised by a surge in colorectal cancer cases in younger adults, who have traditionally been at a low risk of the disease. Although experts can't say definitively why rates are skyrocketing, lifestyle choices, including diet, have been blamed as a contributing factor. Now, a cancer doctor (pictured) has three high-fiber breakfasts that may help prevent the disease, explaining that fiber is the most important because it feeds 'good' bacteria in the gut that shields the colon lining.