The incidence of early-onset cancers, diagnosed in individuals under 50, has surged globally by a staggering 79%. In the United States, the American Cancer Society has noted a significant demographic shift, with cancer cases increasingly affecting middle-aged individuals rather than older adults. While cancer rates among those over 50 have decreased from 1995 to 2020, there has been a marked uptick in diagnoses among those under 50.
The question arises: why are young people experiencing higher rates of cancer? Does this trend warrant earlier cancer screening? Who should be most vigilant, and what preventative measures can younger individuals adopt?
Dr. Leana Wen sheds light on this issue, referencing a 2023 study in BMJ Oncology which identifies breast cancer, tracheal/bronchus/lung cancer, and stomach/colorectal cancers as the leading causes of early-onset cancer-related mortality and burden worldwide. These align with the top causes of cancer deaths in older populations as well. In the U.S., lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are predominant, with colorectal cancer emerging as the primary cause of cancer-related death in men under 50 and the second in women under 50.
Understanding one's risk factors is paramount. Individuals should be aware of their family history of cancer, including first-degree relatives' diagnoses, and disclose relevant medical conditions and lifestyle habits to their healthcare providers. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, dietary patterns, and physical activity levels play pivotal roles.
Dr. Wen emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake, and regular physical activity, even in small doses, to mitigate cancer risk. Dietary improvements, including reducing ultraprocessed food consumption, are also beneficial. Notably, these lifestyle changes not only decrease cancer risk but also mitigate the likelihood of heart disease and premature mortality.