Cancer in Young Adults Is On the Rise — Here’s How to Protect Yourself

One of the biggest risk factors for cancer in general is age. As our bodies grow older, it's natural to accumulate damage to cells that can lead to cancer. But recent reports on cancer statistics in the U.S. have noted something unexpected: While the cancer rate in older adults is decreasing, cancer in people under 50 is on the rise.

Why is this happening? And what can you do to protect yourself in your younger years? We're here to walk you through what you need to know.

What types of cancer are rising in young adults?

A recent large-scale study looked specifically at cancer rates in adults under 50 years old. When researchers analyzed cancer rates in the U.S. between 2010 and 2019, they found that breast cancer was the most common cancer. But they also noted that the rates of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers were rising the quickest.

Many types of cancer can affect young adults. The most common types of cancer in people under 40 years old are:

• Breast

• Thyroid

• Testicular

• Melanoma

Other types of cancer can also affect young adults. These include cancers like lymphoma, cervical cancer, and colon cancer.

What are the risk factors for cancer in young adults?

Any type of cancer - at any age - is likely caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Experts estimate that up to 10% of all cancers develop from a genetic predisposition. Below, we review eight of the risk factors that are likely contributing to increasing rates of cancer in young people in particular.

It's important to keep in mind that your specific risk factors for certain cancers may be different or extend beyond this list.

1. Increased body weight

Researchers are still trying to understand the link between body weight and cancer risk. They believe it may be related to the way fat tissue can increase inflammation and hormone levels in your body.

Increased body fat is linked to:

• Endometrial cancer

• Colon cancer and other cancers of the GI tract

• Liver cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Breast cancer (only after menopause)

If someone gains weight because of their diet or decreased physical activity, this may also play a role. Diet and physical activity affect changes at the level of the cells that make it easier for cancer to start and grow.

2. Diet

The connection between diet and cancer is a large and active area of research. Many common components of the "Western" diet have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

For example:

• Highly processed foods, particularly animal-based products and sweetened beverages

• Saturated fat, which is linked to breast, prostate, and colon cancer

• Added sugar, especially diets high in sucrose and fructose

• Processed meat, such as deli meats and those that contain nitrates

Many studies suggest that these ingredients contribute to cancer risk independent of someone's body size.

3. Decreased physical activity

Research suggests that regular exercise and physical activity can help reduce your risk of cancer. This is especially true for breast and colon cancer - two types of cancer that are on the rise in young people. This is likely related to the way exercise helps to:

• Reduce inflammation in your body

• Regulate hormone levels

• Stabilize body weight

4. Smoking

Most people are aware that smoking cigarettes increases your risk of lung cancer - especially if you've smoked for a long time. So, it's a good thing that cigarette use is declining in young adults.

But researchers are still learning about the long-term effects of vaping and marijuana smoke on your lungs and other organs. These substances contain carcinogens just like cigarettes. It takes about two decades for cigarettes to cause lung cancer. So, researchers need more time to figure out how these substances will affect young adults down the line.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol contributes to cancer risk in a few different ways. Alcohol itself is a carcinogen. And it may also increase your risk of cancer by raising estrogen levels, which can contribute to certain types of cancer. Plus, alcohol blocks the absorption of certain nutrients that help protect your cells from damage.

Alcohol intake has been associated with an increased risk of:

• Breast cancer

• Colorectal cancer

• Head and neck cancer

• Esophageal cancer

• Liver cancer

6. Sun exposure

Sun exposure is the main risk factor for any type of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most dangerous and fatal type of skin cancer. And even though it's the least common type, it's one of the most common cancers among people under the age of 40.

7. Environmental pollution

Air pollution - both indoors and outdoors - has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. People in the U.S. are breathing more pollution now than 25 years ago.

Many of the studies on air pollution focus on the increased risk of lung cancer. But additional research also reveals this is an important contributor to different types of cancer, particularly in young people.

8. Perinatal stress

Some researchers theorize that the increase in cancer in young adults is related to their exposures in the womb and right after birth. More specifically, they think people's environment during early development may affect DNA mutations and cancer risk later in life. These stressors may stem from things like maternal malnutrition, body weight, and substance use. But this research is very much in the early stages.

Cancer screenings for young adults

The list of risk factors above may feel disheartening. But remember, small changes to your lifestyle and exposure can make a big difference when you're young. So does keeping up with your routine cancer screenings.

Work with your primary care provider to figure out which screenings you need and at what age. For many people, this is based on their family and personal medical history. So, screening schedules can vary from person to person. Below, we review some of the more common screenings for people under 50.

Colon cancer

The CDC recommends that most adults start screening for colon cancer at age 45. But some people with increased risk should start earlier. For example, those with a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease.

Colon cancer screening is often done with a colonoscopy. But there are less costly and less invasive options available, too. These include stool tests and CT scans.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer screening typically starts at age 40 for most women. This is done with a mammogram. Some individuals will need different or additional testing, including:

• MRI

• 3D mammogram

• Ultrasound

This might be the case for people who:

• Are at higher risk of breast cancer

• Have dense breasts

• Feel a lump

• Have an abnormal mammogram

It's important to not rely on self-breast exams to detect breast cancer. There's no harm to doing them at home and familiarizing yourself with the shape and feel of your breasts. But they're not a good way to detect breast cancer. They shouldn't replace screening with mammograms.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus (human papillomavirus). This is a very common virus that's easily transmitted through sexual intercourse. Each year, over 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Screening for cervical cancer starts at age 21. It's done with a pap smear. People who are at low risk for cervical cancer only need this test every 3 to 5 years. But people with an increased risk may need a pap smear more often.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Research estimates that one in eight of them will be diagnosed with prostate cancer within their lifetime. But for most, screening doesn't start until the age of 55.

There are exceptions. People who are at higher risk may choose to start screening earlier - like in their 40s. The decision about when to start screening is personal. It starts with a discussion with a healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of testing.

Screening usually starts with a rectal exam and a blood test called the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test.

Skin cancer

The risk of skin cancer increases as you age. And it's more common in people over 50. But for those who don't use adequate sun protection, skin cancer risk starts in adolescence.

Screening for skin cancer is done with a full skin exam - usually by a dermatologist. The age and frequency of skin cancer screening depends on individual risk factors. For example, your risk for skin cancer (like family history) and your history of sun exposure.

But you don't need to wait for a dermatologist to start performing your own skin checks at home. Familiarize yourself with your skin and learn what skin cancer looks like. Most importantly, protect your skin with daily sunscreen.