More Young People Are Getting Cancer. What Does This Mean for You? 

Cancer used to be thought of as something that mostly happened to older adults, like those over 55. But things are changing. Over the past 10 years, more young people in their 20s, 30s, and even teens have been getting diagnosed with cancer, and these cancers can often be more aggressive. While many types of cancer are increasing in younger people, breast cancer and colorectal cancer are rising the fastest — and cancer researchers are still exploring why this is happening.

If you’re under 40 and worried about your risks, here are some things you can do to understand, prevent and stay informed about this rise in cancer.

How can I know my cancer risk?

Here’s some good news: Some types of cancer are becoming less common in younger people, thanks to healthier habits and public health efforts. For example, lung cancer is decreasing because fewer people smoke cigarettes than in previous generations. 

However, breast cancer and colorectal cancer are still increasing among young people, and experts don’t yet know all the reasons why. But there are certain known factors that might raise your risk: 

Family history. Some cancers are linked to genetic mutations or family history. If someone in your family has had cancer, it’s important to know about it. For example, having the BRCA gene raises the chance of breast cancer in men and women and ovarian cancer in women. If your family has a history of breast cancer or you have been told that someone in your family is BRCA-positive, you might want to get tested for the BRCA gene. Similarly, having a family history of colorectal cancer can increase your risk, so it’s good to talk with your provider about it. 

Environment. Some cancers are caused by things in the environment, like air pollution, radiation, high levels of sun exposure or exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos or benzene. These risks can affect people of any age. 

If you have a family history of cancer or are regularly exposed to environmental risks, it’s a good idea to talk to your primary care provider, (PCP) about screening options. But what if you don’t have a family history or obvious environmental risks? There are still things you can do to lower your chances of getting cancer. 

How to lower your cancer risk

1. Get regular checkups

Even if you feel healthy and don’t have a known family history of cancer, it’s important to visit your primary care or family medicine provider regularly. They can help spot warning signs of cancer, even ones you might not notice. Some symptoms to watch for include blood in your urine or stool, unexplained weight loss, unusual lumps in your breast or chest, or night sweats, among many others.

2. Make healthy choices

There are steps you can take in your daily life to reduce your risk of cancer: 

• Don’t smoke or vape. While smoking-related cancers are decreasing, there are plenty of young adults who still smoke, vape or chew tobacco. Smoking and vaping increase the risk of cancers in your mouth, lungs and throat. If you smoke, quitting as soon as possible is one of the best ways to protect your health. 

• Watch your diet. We are still learning about the connection between colorectal cancers and diet. However, we do know that eating too many processed meats — like hot dogs, bacon, or deli meat — as well as foods high in animal fat or sugar can raise your risk for colorectal cancer. Instead, try to eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 

• Limit alcohol. Alcohol can increase cancer risk, whether in beer, wine or spirit form. If you drink, be mindful of how much, and talk to your provider if you’re worried about the amount. 

Your PCP is a great resource for advice on healthy living, so make sure to ask about lifestyle tips during your next visit.

3. Stay informed

Following reliable sources of information online can help you stay updated on cancer risks for young people. At ChristianaCare, we offer free resources online through our health library, which is a great background resource to learn more about types of cancer and ways to support yourself through a cancer diagnosis. There are also expert cancer resources available through the American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association. 

The bottom line 

If you’re a young adult concerned about cancer, the best thing you can do is have a primary care provider you trust. Your PCP can monitor your health, address your concerns and keep an eye on any unusual symptoms. 

Take charge of your health today and decrease your risk of cancer by talking to your provider about your risks and making small changes to lower them. If you don’t have a PCP, we can help you find one.