Earlier, cancer used to be associated mainly with old age. Nowadays, the percentage of young adults with cancer is on the rise. Does this make you wonder: Why do so many young people have cancer?

Well, the question might be a straightforward one, but the answer is not that simple. That’s because researchers from the American Cancer Society have found several reasons for cancer in young people. This means, if you knew the reasons, you can be cautious and increase your chances of leading a cancer-free life. 

So, without further ado, let us explore the causes of cancer in youth and how to keep cancer at bay.

Cancer Risk Factors in Young Adults

Cancer affecting individuals between the age group of 18 and 49 years are known as early onset cancer types. Some examples are the breast cancer, cervical cancer, stomach cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, gastrointestinal cancer, thyroid cancer, etc. In fact, early-onset colorectal cancer happens to be the leading cause of cancer death for young men in the United States.

So, let’s learn the main reasons behind early-onset cancer or cancer among young adults.

1. Genetics

Sometimes, there can be genetic factors leading to cancer. This means some people inherit genes which make them an easy target for certain cancers. These cancers often can manifest at an early age.

The top 3 genetic factors are epigenetic change, mutated genes, and chromosomal rearrangements. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are also genetic disorders that can enhance the chances of cancers among younger citizens. People born with Lynch syndrome, for instance, are more prone to having endometrial cancer and colon cancer.

2. Chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation can damage DNA and affect cell growth, leading to abnormal genetic mutations. Cancer centers assert that inflammation may promote the growth of tumor as well as the metastatic speed of cancerous cells. In younger cancer patients, chronic inflammation also suppresses anti-tumor response of the body by weakening the immune system.

Additionally, chronic inflammatory ailments can increase the chances of Crohn’s disease, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

3. Environmental exposures

What are the environmental causes of cancer in young people?

The presence of chemicals in food, air, or drinking water can contribute to more cancer cases in younger people. Some of the most toxic chemicals are trichloroethylene, asbestos, arsenic, vinyl chloride, benzene, radon, and asbestos. They can enter the human body through water, food, and air (because of industrial emissions).

As per cancer research done in leading institutions, another environmental factor is UV radiation, which can give you skin cancer. However, individuals with green or blue eyes, blonde hair, and fair skin are more likely to get skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to the UV rays. For the same reason, one should avoid tanning beds.

4. Lifestyle and cancer risk

When people under 50 get cancer, at times it can be traced back to their lifestyle choices. Smoking is the one of the biggest lifestyle factors that can give cancer of the bladder, throat, lungs, mouth, esophagus, and blood. Then there’s alcohol which too doubles the risk of cancers of the throat, bowel, lover, breast, mouth, and esophagus.

However, it’s not that the only young people getting cancer are the smokers and alcoholics. A sedentary lifestyle (with less physical activity) increases inflammation, suppresses our immunity, and can lead to cancer.

Lastly, you need to stop overeating tans fat, refined sugars, flour, and highly processed foods. They increase the chances of developing colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and stomach cancer. 

The Importance of Cancer Screening for Younger Adults

The purpose of cancer screening is to minimize cancer morbidity. If you go for screening annually or when something appears to be wrong with your health, only then early detection will happen.

As the cancer will be found in its initial stage, it won’t have spread to nearby organs. In such cases, doctors can completely remove the cancerous cells, and the person can live a long and healthy life after the treatment. 

Hence, irrespective of age, you should make cancer screening a priority. People above 50, should do it more frequently. 

Young People and Cancer Prevention

How do you lower the chances of suffering from cancer? By following these simple steps, you can develop a stronger immune system that’ll find cancers:

  1. Eat homemade meals consisting of fresh fruits and veggies.
  2. As even secondhand smoke is extremely harmful, quit smoking immediately. 
  3. To reduce the risk of lung cancer, limit the intake of alcohol.
  4. Physical activity is crucial as it will help you maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of cancer.
  5. When outdoors, cover your skin properly and apply sunscreen to avoid direct contact with the sun.

Parting Thoughts

The rise in cancer among young people (people younger than 50) is a major cancer in the medical world. So, the two key takeaways from today’s blog are: adopt a healthy life and do regular cancer screenings and self-exams for timely cancer diagnosis. Stay healthy! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the most common types of cancer in young people?

The most common cancers that affect young people are skin breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, thyroid cancer, sarcomas, leukemia, and cancer of the testis.

Q. Can cancer in young people be prevented?

Nothing can guarantee that a person will never get cancer. However, preventing cancer in young adults is possible to a certain extent by making healthy lifestyle choices like eating fresh and well-cooked foods, exercising, etc.