Why Cancer In Young Adults Is On The Rise

Cancer is often viewed as a disease that primarily affects older adults. However, recent studies have shown that the diagnosis of cancer in younger adults, ages 20, 30, and 40, has increased. The change has raised a lot of public concern.

 In this blog, let’s take a look at the causes. 

1. Early exposure to unhealthy behaviours

Behaviours that increase the risk of developing cancer like consuming junk foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, and lack of physical activity at early stages in life. The amount of time teenagers and young adults are sedentary is increasing, whether at school, work, or in front of a screen. Doing unhealthy behaviours like these over a long period of time can eventually lead to poor health, like cancer.

For example, not eating enough fibre may be linked to cancers in the stomach and intestines, especially in people under 50.

2. Gut Health and Its Role

We have trillions of beneficial bacteria in our gut. These bacteria are called the gut microbiome and play a significant role in our health. However, poor food choices, overuse of antibiotics, and too many processed foods can disrupt this balance. This can create chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to the beginning of certain cancers.

3. Environmental and Hormonal Factors

Today’s youth are exposed to more pollution, chemicals, and plastics than ever. Most of these can disrupt hormones and bodily functions. Frequently exposing ourselves to pollution increases the risk of a cancer diagnosis over time.

4. Weight and Body Health

In just a few decades, obesity has become quite common. Being overweight is associated with chronic inflammation, changes in hormones, and changes in sugar metabolism, which can provide the right conditions for cancer to flourish. Sadly, more young adults, especially in cities, are facing these health challenges at earlier ages.

5. Late Diagnosis in Young Adults

Their symptoms may be overlooked or misdiagnosed as a lesser-known but common issue. This will mean their cancer is often diagnosed when is already much harder to treat, typically in later stages when they are sicker. Although advances in screenings and awareness meant that more cancers are being identified earlier than ever, it is only partially responsible for what has affected the surge.

6. Genes Aren’t the Whole Story

While family history can increase cancer risk, most young adults with cancer don’t have a genetic reason. Doctors now believe it’s often a mix of genes and outside triggers like food, stress, environment, and lifestyle that lead to cancer starting earlier than expected.

Cancer is not only a disease affecting the elderly anymore. With cases being reported by individuals in their 20s,30s and 40s too. 

At Sugam Hospital, we have recognized this trend and we have an expert medical oncology team, lab diagnostics, and a patient-centred holistic approach to care, which are some of the reasons, we are the best cancer hospitals in Chennai when it comes to early detection and treatment of cancer. 

If you are having abnormal symptoms or don’t feel right, please do not hesitate any longer. An examination may prevent a serious consequence.