Why Are More Young Adults Getting Cancer?

Cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, even though it’s still most common in those over 50. High-profile cases, like actor Chadwick Boseman’s death from colon cancer at 43 and Princess of Wales Kate Middleton’s diagnosis at 42, have highlighted this growing concern. Rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults have even led experts to lower the recommended initial screening age from 50 to 45. Wondering what you can do to protect yourself? Colon and Rectal surgeon Mitra Ehsan, MD, shares recommendations and prevention tips, including lifestyle changes and screenings that could help lower your risk.

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Identifying risk factors 

While the exact causes are still unclear, researchers believe several modifiable lifestyle factors may contribute, including: 

• Diets high in processed foods, sugar and saturated fats. 
• Sedentary lifestyles with more time spent sitting and less physically demanding jobs. 
• Alcohol consumption. 
• Being obese and overweight. 
• Increased rates of type 2 diabetes, which boosts the risk for liver, breast and other cancers. 

Take action for prevention 

It’s never too early to think about cancer prevention. You can make healthy changes at any age. These include: 

• Stop drinking alcohol or cut back.  
• Follow a healthy eating pattern rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit red meat, processed foods, sweets and artificial sweeteners. 
• Avoid all forms of tobacco and smoking/vaping of any substance. 
• Move more. Work your way up to at least two and a half hours of moderate exercise per week.  
• Protect your skin from cancer by taking sun-safety precautions. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Choose one that protects against UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant. 
• Stay up-to-date on vaccines. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines can also reduce the risk of certain cancers. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps protect against most cervical cancers, while the hepatitis B vaccine can lower the risk of liver cancer.
• Preventive screening—get your recommended screenings—it’s best to prevent cancer by managing “precancerous” problems early, such as removing polyps or suspicious moles. 
• If cancer is detected early, when it’s small and hasn’t had the chance to spread, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and recommended cancer screenings.  

The Overlake Cancer Center offers state-of-the-art cancer care with extraordinary compassion and focus on all aspects of your wellness. To learn more, visit: overlakehospital.org/CancerCare