There is a concerning trend emerging in the healthcare world, with a growing number of people under 50 being diagnosed with cancer. It is also predicted that in 2024, about 84,100 adolescents and young adults (ages 15 to 39) in the U.S. will be given a cancer diagnosis. This accounts for about 4.2% of all cancer cases.
These alarming statistics impact many young people focused on careers and families, making unexpected health challenges a stressful burden to bear when trying to plan for their future. Cancer and cancer treatments early in life ultimately contribute to a higher risk of other health issues, such as infertility, heart disease, and secondary cancers.
It’s time young people understand how these dangers differ across generations and prepare themselves with the knowledge of how to reduce the risk factors in their own lives.
Factors Increasing the Risk of Cancer in Younger Generations
Experts suggest that cancer cells start forming in the early years, but cellular destruction and cancer diagnosis can take several years to show up. However, in the last few years, there have been unhealthy changes in diet, lifestyle, environment, and gut microbiomes that cause cell damage and cancer to manifest earlier.
Research also reveals that the unhealthy lifestyle of a parent, particularly the mother, like smoking, alcohol use, western diet, and obesity during pregnancy, may put her children at a higher risk of cancer. As parents, it’s important to offer children healthy meals, limit processed and sugary foods, encourage exercise, help manage weight, and prevent exposure to second-hand smoke, which can help lower their cancer risk when they cannot make healthy choices on their own.
There are also some risk factors for early-onset cancer that are totally within an individual’s. These include smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, drinking alcohol, obesity, exposure to UV rays, and a bad diet.
Here are 11 cancers for which younger generations are at a higher risk and what you can do to mitigate these risks.
1. Thyroid Cancer
While thyroid cancer can happen at any age, it is one of the most common cancers between ages 15 and 39. Women tend to develop thyroid cancer earlier than men, though the reasons for this are not yet understood. The good news is that treatment is usually straightforward, and survival rates are high when caught early. Radiation exposure, dietary iodine levels, and genetic factors may play roles in early onset.
Be mindful of your environment and food intake by eating a balanced diet that includes iodine (found in dairy, seafood, and iodized salt), and consult your doctor about any family history of thyroid issues.
2. Breast Cancer
There have been more breast cancer diagnoses seen in women under 50 in the last two decades, and the number has only increased in recent years. According to data, in the U.S., 1 in 196 women between the ages of 15-39 is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Younger women often face more advanced cancers because routine screening typically starts at age 40. This makes early detection harder for women under 40. So, if you are a young woman, make it a routine to do self-exams and consult your doctor in case of any changes in your breasts.
3. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs when white blood cells, called lymphocytes, grow uncontrollably and build up in the body. It is the most common cancer in teenagers and young adults, making up about 1 in 5 cancer cases in this age group.
Lymphoma includes both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types, but Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in people in their 20s. The risk increases again after age 55.
Young people with weakened immune systems, infections, and dicey lifestyle choices are at risk. Maintain a healthy immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep to give your body a fighting chance should any health challenges arise.
4. Cervical Cancer
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women. About 660,000 new cases of this cancer were reported in 2022. Screening advances have helped lower cervical cancer rates, but many women in the U.S. still live with the disease, and around 4,000 pass away from it each year.
Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 44, but it is rare in women under 20. However, older women are still at risk of developing it, and now account for more than 15% of all cases.
5. Testicular Cancer
Young, white males under 45 face the highest risk of developing testicular cancer, especially if they have a family history of it. It is the most common solid tumor cancer in young men, typically diagnosed between ages 15 and 45, but it can occur at any age.
It involves the abnormal growth of cells in the testicles, which are the organs that produce sperm and testosterone. The good news is that fewer than 10,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. It is also highly treatable when detected early.
6. Melanoma
Melanoma is more common in older adults, but younger people are also at risk. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in people aged 25-39 in the U.S., according to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA). It is treatable, but advanced melanoma can be deadly, making it extra important to use sunscreen and other preventative measures to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
7. Myeloma
More and more younger patients are facing unique challenges with multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of the plasma cells.
People younger than 50 make up about 10% of multiple myeloma cases. These patients experience a more significant decrease in life expectancy than older patients.
8. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death for men under 50 and the second leading cause for women in that age group. People born between 1981 and 1996 are twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer as compared to people born in 1950.
Experts do not fully understand why more young adults are developing colon and rectal cancer. Researchers are looking into several factors, including diet, obesity, lack of exercise, tobacco and alcohol use, and environmental influences like chemical exposure. Family history also plays a significant role. Incorporate a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also important. Don’t ignore symptoms like persistent abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits.
9. Sarcoma
Sarcoma starts in connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, or fat cells. Since connective tissues are found throughout the body, sarcoma can develop in any area. What sets sarcoma apart is its common occurrence in children and young adults.
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors that can develop in people of any age. STS are common in adolescents and young adults, accounting for 8% of cancer diagnoses for people between 15-39 years and 15% of cancers in those under 20.
10. Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a type of gastrointestinal cancer. It is among the common early-onset cancers related to the digestive system.
Research suggests that the microorganisms in the digestive tract affect cancer risk. This can result from poor nutrition, lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking, or increased antibiotic use in recent decades.
11. Lung Cancer
Researchers have recently noted a troubling rise in lung cancer diagnoses among women aged 55 and younger. According to doctors, the reasons for this increase are unclear, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. For example, if you smoke, quitting is a must. Besides this, you can lower your cancer risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that's not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she's not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
