Appendix Cancer Is Rising Among Young Adults, Pay Attention to the Symptoms

A new study shows that while appendix cancer remains rare, it’s starting to affect younger generations—especially Generation X and millennials. Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that appendix cancer rates have tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials compared to older generations. One in every three appendix cancers is now diagnosed in adults under age 50.

The appendix is a small organ attached to the large intestine. Cancers of the appendix are difficult to detect, and are usually only discovered during or after surgery for appendicitis. “About 95 percent of these cancers are found after the appendix is removed and examined,” said Gustavo Rubio, MD, general surgeon at Jackson Medical Group.

From 1975 to 2019, researchers identified nearly 5,000 appendix cancer cases through a large national cancer registry. While the numbers are still small—one to two cases per million people annually—the generational increase is significant.

The trend fits with a broader pattern of increased gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in younger patients. Environmental and lifestyle changes since the mid-20th century may be contributing, but the exact causes remain unclear.

Experts stress the importance of paying attention to persistent symptoms like fatigue, ongoing abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. “It’s not about worrying over every ache,” said Dr. Rubio, “but if something feels off, get it checked out. Young people deserve to be taken seriously.”