Cancer Rates are Rising Among Young People: Why

 

Cancer Rates are Rising Among Young People

Cancer cases among young people are experiencing a dramatic increase, according to recent data. Early-onset cancers, diagnosed in individuals under 50 years of age, have seen a staggering 79% increase globally.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to a particular region; Even in the United States, the demographics of cancer patients are undergoing significant change, with a progressive shift from older to middle-aged people.

Although adults over 50 years of age have experienced a decline in overall cancer incidence from 1995 to 2020, a notable increase in cases has been seen among those under 50 years of age.

This increase raises questions about the need to start cancer screening at younger ages and who should be most concerned about this trend. Additionally, it raises the question of what preventative measures young people might consider to reduce their risk.

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To address these concerns, CNN interviewed Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness expert and emergency physician with a distinguished career in public health.

What are the most common cancers in young adults?

According to Dr. Wen, the early-onset cancers that cause the highest number of deaths worldwide are breast cancer, trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer, as well as stomach and colorectal cancers, says a study recently published in the journal BMJ Oncology. These statistics closely reflect the leading causes of cancer death among older populations.

Dr. Wen explains that increasing rates of obesity, the change in eating habits towards a diet rich in ultra-processed foods, a sedentary lifestyle, and possible environmental factors such as carcinogens in the air, water, and food supply have to do with these increases. of cancers in young people.

Against this backdrop, the question arises as to whether people should start getting cancer screening at younger ages. Dr. Wen highlights the complexity of this question, highlighting the difference between recommendations for the general population and individual recommendations based on personal risk factors.

Current guidelines suggest that people at average risk follow screening guidelines established by major medical and government organizations. However, it is essential that people know their family history and discuss with their doctor any additional risk factors they may have, which could warrant screening at an earlier age.

The role of prevention cannot be underestimated and therefore Dr. Wen emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. These changes can not only reduce the risk of cancer but also heart disease and premature death.

The alarming increase in cancer cases among young people is a call to action for early detection and adoption of preventive measures. With greater knowledge of risk factors and a proactive approach to health, we can work toward a future where cancer is less of a burden for generations to come.