In recent years, a concerning phenomenon has emerged: cancer, traditionally considered a disease of the elderly, is increasingly affecting younger individuals. This shift has significant implications for public health, as it not only impacts the lives of young patients but also challenges our understanding of cancer’s causes and prevention.
The Rising Trend of Cancer in Young People
Statistics from around the world paint a worrying picture. According to a recent study in the medical journal BMJ Oncology, from 1990 to 2019, diagnoses and deaths related to early-onset cancers (affecting patients younger than 50) rose by 79% and 28% respectively. In the United States, breast cancer is the most common early-onset cancer, but there have been dramatic increases in digestive organ cancers, such as colon, rectum, pancreas, and stomach cancers, among young adults. In fact, today’s young adults are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and four times as likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer as those born around 1950.
This trend is not limited to the United States. Many high-income countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have also reported similar increases in early-onset cancers.
Unraveling the Reasons Behind Cancer
1. Unhealthy Lifestyles
• Diet: Modern diets often consist of excessive amounts of processed foods, high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For example, a diet rich in red and processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
• Lack of Exercise: With sedentary jobs becoming more common, many young people spend long hours sitting at desks or in front of screens. Lack of physical activity leads to weight gain, and obesity is a risk factor for at least 13 types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.
• Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking is a well – known cause of lung cancer, but it also increases the risk of many other cancers, such as bladder, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. Excessive alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of liver, breast, and esophageal cancers.
• Sleep Disorders: Irregular sleep patterns and insufficient sleep, common among young people who often stay up late, can disrupt the body’s internal clock and immune system, potentially contributing to cancer development.
2. Environmental Factors
• Pollution: Air pollution, water pollution, and exposure to chemicals in the environment can increase cancer risk. For instance, long-term exposure to fine particulate matter in polluted air has been associated with lung cancer.
• Exposure to Radiation: Although medical radiation is generally safe when used appropriately, overexposure to diagnostic X-rays or radiation therapy can increase the risk of cancer, especially in young, developing cells.
3. Infectious Agents
• Viral Infections: Certain viruses can cause cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, and hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to liver cancer. Young people are at risk of these infections, especially if they are sexually active or have risky behaviors.
4. Genetic Predisposition
• Inherited Gene Mutations: Some cancers, like breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers, can be linked to inherited gene mutations. If a young person inherits a mutated gene, their risk of developing cancer at a younger age is significantly increased. For example, women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
5. Stress and Mental Health
• Chronic Stress: The high – pressure environment of modern life exposes young people to chronic stress. Prolonged stress can suppress the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to cancer – causing factors. Additionally, stress – related behaviors, such as overeating, smoking, or excessive drinking, can further increase cancer risk.
How to Prevent Cancer in Young People
1. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
• Balanced Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit the intake of processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugary drinks. For example, having a colorful plate with different vegetables and fruits at every meal can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, per week. Incorporate strength-training exercises at least twice a week to build muscle and improve metabolism.
• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: If you smoke, quit. For alcohol consumption, limit it to moderate levels: one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
• Get Enough Sleep: Establish a regular sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Create a comfortable sleep environment and avoid using electronic devices before bedtime.
2. Protect Against Infections
• Vaccination: Get vaccinated against preventable viruses. For example, the HPV vaccine can protect against cervical cancer, and the hepatitis B vaccine can prevent liver cancer.
• Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HPV.
3. Reduce Environmental Exposure
• Avoid Polluted Areas: Minimize exposure to polluted air, especially in industrial areas or during periods of high pollution. Use air purifiers indoors if necessary.
• Be Cautious with Chemicals: When using household chemicals or pesticides, follow the instructions carefully and use protective gear.
4. Genetic Counseling and Screening
• Know Your Family History: If there is a family history of cancer, consider genetic counseling. A genetic counselor can assess your risk and recommend appropriate screening tests, such as mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, at an earlier age.
5. Manage Stress
• Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Engage in activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies to manage stress. Taking time for yourself and finding healthy ways to relax can improve your mental and physical health.
Cancer is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach. By understanding the causes and taking proactive steps to prevent it, young people can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer and lead healthier lives. Remember, small changes in lifestyle can make a big difference in cancer prevention.