Why Are Cancer Rates Rising in Young Adults?
Lifestyle, environmental factors may play roles
Lifestyle, environmental factors may play roles
For many years, cancer was thought of as a disease that mostly affects people later in life, primarily after age 50. However, this may no longer be the case.
Data collected from 2010-2019 found that overall cancer rates among adults over 50 are dropping, while certain types of cancer are increasing among adolescents and adults between the ages of 15-39.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the rates of cancer in young adults — known as early-onset cancers — rose by 3% every year during the nine-year period, from 100 to 103 cases per 100,000 people. Rates of cancer in younger women went up an average of 0.67% each year, while rates among men decreased by 0.37% each year.
The most common cancer types among young adults include breast, colorectal, appendix, pancreas, kidney and reproductive organs. While breast cancer was the most common, gastrointestinal cancers including colon cancer and cancer of the appendix had the fastest-growing rate at 15%.
What factors may contribute to rising cancer rates?
“Cancer is a concern at any age, and especially so among younger people whose risk of recurrence may increase as they get older,” says Thomas Buchholz, MD, medical director at Scripps Cancer Center and a radiation oncologist at Scripps Clinic. “We don’t know why cancer rates among young adults are rising, or why women are seeing an increase more than men, but we believe lifestyle and environmental factors most likely contribute.”'
Researchers believe the following factors might play a role:
Lifestyle: A lack of regular physical activity, poor diet, a high intake of processed and sugary foods (think energy drinks and specialty coffees) and higher obesity rates are all known risk factors for some cancers, including colon cancer. Some researchers believe that a lack of quality sleep may also be a factor.
Alcohol use: According to the NCI, there is evidence that the more alcohol a person drinks regularly over time, the higher the risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer; these include breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer and cancers of the head and neck. Even just one drink a day may modestly increase risk. Binge drinking, defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in one sitting, may increase the risk.
Environmental toxins: Increased exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants in the air, water and food supply likely contribute to increasing cancer rates. Whenever possible, try to avoid toxins, choose organic foods and eat foods high in antioxidants to help counter the potentially harmful effects of toxins.
Genetics: Some young adults may carry genetic mutations that predispose them to certain types of cancer. Understanding one's family medical history, talking with a genetic counselor and undergoing genetic testing when appropriate can help identify people at higher risk who may benefit from earlier or more frequent screenings for breast and colon cancer.
Screening for early-onset cancers
Preventive cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, can help detect cancer in its early stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful. In response to the increasing colon cancer rates among younger adults, the American Cancer Society updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines, lowering the age to start screening for those at average risk from age 50 to 45. People with a family history of colon cancer may consider screening even sooner if recommended by their doctor.
Dr. Buchholz advises patients not to panic about rising cancer rates. Instead, focus on living a healthy lifestyle that helps reduce risk.
“The best course of action for people at any age is to eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and natural fiber, minimize processed foods and sugar, and be physically active,” Dr. Buchholz says. “Maintain a healthy weight and get cancer screening exams when recommended. And if you have concerns, talk to your doctor.”