Why Cancer Is Rising in Young Adults—and What You Can Do About It
For Patients, Caregivers, and Families Facing a New Cancer Reality
For decades, cancer has mostly been seen as a disease of older adults. But a major shift is happening: More people under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with cancer, and not just one type—at least 14 different cancers are rising in younger adults.
Let’s break down why this is happening, what it means for you, and how both patients and caregivers can take action.
Colorectal Cancer: A Wake-Up Call
If you were born in 1990, your risk of getting colorectal cancer is now:
4x higher than someone born in 1950
2x higher for colon cancer specifically
This trend isn’t just about colorectal cancer. Breast, uterine, pancreatic, kidney, and even blood cancers like multiple myeloma are also rising in young people.
Researchers say this is more than coincidence—it’s a sign that something has changed over generations.
What’s Causing the Rise?
Doctors and scientists point to a few possible causes:
Lifestyle changes: Processed foods, sugary drinks, and sedentary habits have become more common.
Environmental exposures: Air pollution, microplastics, and even changes in gut bacteria (microbiome) may play a role.
Obesity: Rates of obesity have risen sharply worldwide, even among children.
Early life exposures: What we eat and are exposed to as kids may impact cancer risk later in life.
Better screening: Some of the increase may be due to better tools to find cancer earlier—but not all.
“Obesity fits the pattern well,” says Dr. Tim Rebbeck of Harvard. “But it’s not the only reason. We’re seeing young, healthy people with active lifestyles being diagnosed.”
What Is the Birth Cohort Effect?
This strange-sounding term means cancer risk seems tied to when you were born.
If you were born in a more recent generation, your risk of certain cancers is higher—no matter where you live or what your personal habits are. Scientists think it’s because people born after 1950 have been exposed to different foods, chemicals, and environments starting in early childhood.
That means young adults today didn’t cause these changes—but they are feeling the effects.
Cancer in Young Adults Is Different
Getting cancer in your 30s or 40s isn’t just about health—it affects your whole life:
You may still be starting a family, or trying to have children
You might have young kids at home or be caring for elderly parents
Your career, education, and mental health can all be disrupted
Dr. Kimmie Ng, founder of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center, says:
“Younger patients often face late diagnoses and unique emotional challenges. That’s why we created a center just for them.”
What About Genetics?
Some cancers—like breast or colon cancer—can run in families. Doctors recommend genetic testing for any person under 50 who is diagnosed, especially if there’s a family history.
But only about 25% of early-onset cancers are linked to inherited genes. That means most young people with cancer didn’t inherit it—they developed it due to other factors.
Still, knowing your family history can be lifesaving. If you’re at higher risk, you may qualify for earlier screening.
Is Earlier Screening the Answer?
In 2018, the American Cancer Society lowered the screening age for colorectal cancer from 50 to 45.
That’s a good step—but many early-onset cases happen in people under 45. Some are in their 30s. Some in their 20s.
“We need smarter screening,” says Dr. Ng. “One based on risk, not just age.”
This could mean using:
Home stool tests for people who can’t do a colonoscopy
Family history and symptoms to flag high-risk patients early
Targeted screenings for young people based on lifestyle, weight, and medical history
What Can You Do Right Now?
✅ 1. Learn the Warning Signs
Know your body. Talk to your doctor if you have:
Blood in your stool
Stomach pain or bloating
Sudden weight loss
Fatigue without reason
✅ 2. Don’t Wait to Get Screened
If you’re 45 or older, get screened for colorectal cancer. It could save your life.
If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about starting even earlier.
✅ 3. Live Healthy—Start Early
Eat a balanced diet (more fruits, veggies, less processed food)
Stay active
Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
Maintain a healthy weight
Healthy habits early in life can protect you decades later.
✅ 4. Talk About It
There’s still stigma around cancers like colorectal and uterine cancer. People often stay quiet about symptoms. Let’s change that.
Talk to your doctor
Ask your family about medical history
Support others by speaking up
For Caregivers: Be Prepared, Be Supportive
If you’re caring for a young adult with cancer:
Help them manage appointments and logistics (especially for screenings)
Connect them with support groups
Watch for mental health challenges
Help normalize tough conversations around symptoms and fears
The Takeaway
Early-onset cancer is on the rise—and we still don’t fully understand why. But you’re not powerless.
You can:
Know your risk
Get screened
Live a healthier lifestyle
Advocate for awareness and research
Together, we can push for better detection, more personalized care, and a healthier future for all generations.
Reference
‘Harvard Thinking’: Cancer is rising among younger people — why?
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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
