In the first few decades of your life,  cancer might be the last thing on your mind. However, recent studies have shown a concerning trend: cancer rates are on the rise among younger people, with many diagnoses happening before the age of 50. This doesn't mean you should panic, but it's important to be informed and proactive about your health. Let's explore what's happening and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

The Changing Face of Cancer

Cancer has traditionally been associated with older age, with the median age for a cancer diagnosis being 66 years old, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, this landscape is shifting. Early-onset cancers, diagnosed in adults between 18 and 49 years old, are becoming more common. In fact, from 1995 to 2020, younger adults were the only age group that saw an increase in overall cancer incidence, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

One recent large study, led by the ACS, looked at people born between 1920 and 1999 in the U.S. They found that younger generations, like Gen X and Millennials, are getting cancer more often than older generations did at the same age. This is happening for 17 out of 34 types of cancer they studied, including breast, pancreatic, and stomach cancers.

Furthermore, ACS also recently reported some important findings in their annual report on cancer facts and trends, Cancer Statistics, 2024. While fewer people are dying from cancer overall, more people are getting diagnosed with it. In 2022, about 1.9 million new cancer cases were found. In 2023, that number went up to over 2 million.

Some key points to be aware of:

• Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women of the same age group.
• Breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancers are among the types showing increased rates in younger generations.
• Skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers in young adults, often linked to sun exposure or tanning bed use.
• The incidence of thyroid cancer has been rising, particularly in young women.
• The rise in early-onset cancers is a global trend, with a staggering 79% increase worldwide.

Why Is This Happening?

Unfortunately, the exact reasons behind this increase aren't fully understood, but a few factors are contributing to the trend.

Lifestyle Changes

According to a study published in the journal BMJ Oncology, diets high in processed foods, increased alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyles can lead to obesity and inflammation, which are linked to several cancers, including colorectal cancer.

Environmental Exposures

Exposure to pollutants, toxins, and harmful chemicals in daily life may play a role in cancer development.

Genetics and Family History

Some individuals are predisposed to cancer based on genetic factors. If cancer runs in your family, you may be at higher risk even at a younger age.

However, there is a bit of a silver lining. With improvements in medical technology, we’re detecting cancers earlier, which means more cases are being diagnosed, especially in younger people who may easily wave away vague strange symptoms or put off seeking care until the disease is more progressed.

What You Can Do

While cancer can feel unpredictable, especially when you feel you’re young and relatively healthy, there are things you can do to lower your risk and improve your overall health:

• Stay Active: Regular exercise helps reduce your risk for many types of cancer by lowering inflammation and improving immune function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods — fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks, which have been linked to increased cancer risk.
• Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive drinking are major risk factors for cancer. Tobacco use contributes to 30% of all cancer-related deaths. If you smoke, consider quitting. Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women or two for men.
• Protect Your Skin: Always wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage your skin and increase your risk for melanoma.
• Know Your Family History: Talk to your relatives and healthcare provider about your family’s medical history. If cancer runs in your family, you may need to start screenings earlier.
• Get Screened: Even if you’re young, some screenings are crucial. Colon cancer screening, for example, is now recommended starting at age 45, earlier if you have a family history. Talk to your doctor about what screenings you may need based on your risk factors.
• Be Proactive About Your Health: Pay attention to your body. If something feels off — whether it’s unexplained weight loss, unusual fatigue, or persistent pain — don’t wait to get it checked out. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Looking Ahead

As cancer rates continue to rise in younger adults, staying informed and taking preventive measures are more important than ever. You can reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices, staying on top of regular screenings, and being mindful of your body.

Remember, being proactive now can make a big difference in your long-term health.
If you’re concerned about your risk or need more information on cancer prevention, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider to discuss personalized strategies for staying healthy.

Staying on top of your health is not only important to you, it’s also important to us. If you are looking for a doctor, Texas Health Resources offers an easy-to-use tool. Simply choose the specialty, type in your zip code, and select a range. Once a list of physicians appears, you can click on a physician and access contact information, educational background, and a list of insurance plans the doctor accepts.