As cancer continues to pose significant challenges across all age groups, recent trends highlight a concerning rise in cancer diagnoses among young adults.
You may be familiar with the shocking death of the beloved Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed Black Panther in the Marvel movies. At only 43, Boseman passed away in 2020 following a four-year battle with colon cancer. Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, 42, revealed she was been battling cancer and just finished chemotherapy treatment. These are just two examples of young people, who are typically characterized by their vitality and health, increasingly facing the reality of cancer at a pivotal stage in life.
This trend is not limited to just the stars and royalty but is something we are seeing in our community. Understanding the unique risk factors, lifestyle influences, and genetic predispositions is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. The dedicated medical team at Pardee Cancer Center is committed to addressing these challenges head-on, empowering young adults with the knowledge and resources they need to reduce risk and foster a happier and healthier future.
Cancer Trends in Western North Carolina
A recent study found that by 2030, the number of these types of early-onset cancer diagnoses could increase by almost 30 percent worldwide, with the number of people who might die from these diseases potentially increasing by nearly 20 percent.
At Pardee Cancer Center, from 2013 to 2023, we have seen a steady five percent rise each year in new cancer patients aged 18 to 45. Even more recently, we’ve begun to see elevated numbers of people in their 20s being diagnosed with cancer with the most prevalent types including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and gynecological cancers.
Unfortunately, there is still a lot of unknown as to what is causing these trends. While researchers are still
studying what may be leading to this increase in cancer rates among young adults, it’s likely a multifaceted issue influenced by factors such as genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and delayed diagnoses. We are seeing a lot of cases happening sporadically, as opposed to being caused by any specific genetic syndrome.
What Can You Do?
Education is key. Recent studies suggest that a significant portion of cancers could be prevented by healthier lifestyle choices including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and a well-balanced meal plan that focuses more on fresh fruits, vegetables, locally sourced food, whole grains, less animal fat, and less animal protein. This would also include limiting alcohol intake – meaning no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. It’s also recommended to avoid ultraviolet radiation and minimize exposure to pollutants.
Another key element of protecting yourself from developing early-onset cancer is staying up to date on your annual exams and vaccinations – including HPV, which protects against most cases of cervical cancer. It also protects against mouth, throat, head and neck cancers caused by HPV.
It’s equally as important to know your body and pay attention to any changes you notice. The later the cancer is detected, the harder it can be to treat. Don’t ignore your body – even if it’s something small. If you’re experiencing something unusual or if it’s a change that goes on for a long time, it is worth talking to your doctor about.
The Importance of Screenings
Screenings are critical because they help detect cancer in its earliest stages, making it easier to treat, and leading to better outcomes. And while younger patients are typically not meeting the threshold for routine cancer screenings – for instance, mammography screenings usually begin at 40 and colonoscopies at 45 – if they are getting routine checkups and physicals with a primary care provider and paying attention to issues in their body, when something does arise, they’re prepared.
A Continuum of Care
At Pardee, we understand that it can be difficult and stressful to navigate the healthcare system. That’s why we’ve taken several steps to bolster our resources for our community and strengthen the continuum of care for our patients. We have expanded our primary care network to serve more people by becoming a federally qualified healthcare center, Pardee BlueMD, to provide care for everyone, regardless of income.
Additionally, we’ve added new providers and broadened our reach to respond to emerging needs in neighboring counties.
If a concern you have addressed with your primary care provider turns out to be something that needs advanced care, we can seamlessly connect you with any Pardee specialist, including a member of our oncology team. When you are part of the Pardee continuum of care, there is no need to travel a great distance or find a new healthcare home. With Pardee, you have access to a comprehensive care team who are committed to ensuring you have the best possible outcome.
For more information about cancer screenings and services at Pardee Cancer Center, visit pardeehospital.org.
