Cancer rates are on the rise in adults under the age of 50, according to a study recently published in The Lancet. Researchers from Australia and the United States analyzed nationwide data from 1975 to 2014 to determine increases in adult malignancies.
It was found that the number of new cases increased by 65 per cent overall, but rates were highest among people aged 30 to 39 (by 174 per cent), followed by those aged 50 to 59 (by 133 per cent). The researchers say their findings have important public health implications and suggest that more needs to be done to address cancer disparities across different socioeconomic backgrounds and ages.
Overall, cancers account for almost one-third of all deaths annually in adults under 50 years old. This increase may be due in part to an increase in tobacco use, poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and other risk factors associated with obesity and chronic diseases.
The good news is that most cancers can be prevented or treated if detected early. The CDC recommends getting screened for cancer regularly starting at the age of 35, and people who have cancer should seek treatment at cancer treatment centres regardless of their age.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer in Adults Under 50
The most common cancers in adults under 50 are lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. Although there are many risk factors for getting cancer, not all cancers can be prevented. However, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing these diseases. Here are some prevention tips for adult cancers:
Be physically active regularly: Being physically active has been shown to reduce your risk of developing various types of cancer, including lung, breast and colon cancer. Aerobic exercises such as walking or biking have been shown to be the most effective type of exercise for reducing your risk of developing these cancers.
Avoid smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing lung cancer by up to 90 per cent. If you currently smoke, try to quit immediately.
Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet is critical for preventing various types of cancers. Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as whole-grain foods in your diet.
Reduce alcohol intake: Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing cancer, including breast cancer. Try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day.
Obtain regular medical checkups: Regular checkups at cancer treatment centres can help identify early signs of cancer and let doctors monitor your health for any changes that may indicate you are at risk for developing cancer.
Get vaccinated: Vaccines can help reduce your risk of getting cancer, including cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is the most effective type of vaccine for preventing cervical cancer.
Conclusion Seeing the rising cases of cancers in adults under 50, it requires a multi-faceted approach to prevention. The health care professionals recommend expanding cancer screening programs to include older age groups; developing greater awareness about cancer risks among younger people through focused school-based campaigns; more accessible radiation centres, increasing access to clinical services for low-income patients; investing in research into new treatments and vaccines; and improving care coordination among different parts of the healthcare system.