Your 20s and 30s are considered a time of self-exploration and discovery – a period to build new relationships, find your passion, establish a career, travel the world, and enjoy the beginnings of adulthood.
But in recent years, the rise of cancer in young adults has had many people hitting the brakes on future plans in favor of finding hope in the present.
Referred to as “early-onset” cancers, these cancers are being diagnosed more frequently in adults between the ages of 18 and 49…
But the question is, why?
Why are cancers, in which a top risk factor is aging, affecting the younger population?
Why is Cancer Increasing in Young Adults?
Since 1995, cancer diagnoses have been on the rise in people aged 18 to 49, steadily increasing by one to two percent every year. Unfortunately, at least 14 types of cancers have been rising in this age bracket, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, statistics released in January of this year found cancer incidence rates in women under 50 are now 82% higher than their male counterparts, up from 51% in 2002.
Early-onset colorectal cancer is becoming the leading cause of cancer deaths among young adults in the United States – a disease that doesn’t recommend regular screenings until age 45.
So, what’s behind the rise in early-onset cancers? Researchers are still uncertain.
Various studies indicate different factors at play in increasing the risk of cancer in young adults, from obesity and heavy alcohol consumption to environmental factors and the health of your gut microbiome.
According to the National Cancer Institute, many causes could contribute to the rise of early-onset cancers.
“For many of these [factors], there’s no strong epidemiological evidence that they’re [individually] linked to early-onset cancers.”
As research continues to attempt to answer the question of “why” regarding early-onset cancers, the time of uncertainty remains between young adults and their healthcare.
What Types of Cancer Are On the Rise?
While cancer deaths are, thankfully, falling, new cases are steadily on the rise, growing from 1.9 million in 2022 to over 2 million the following year.
The American Cancer Society’s annual report discovered that the increase in overall cancer incidence was found in younger adults, the only age group with an increase between 1995 and 2020.
The annual report found the increases in cancer incidences were for the following types of cancers:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Gastric (stomach) cancer
One study in particular, published in BMJ Oncology, predicts that cancer among those between the ages of 18 and 49 will increase by 30% globally from 2019 to 2030.
Can an MRI Detect Cancer?
The signs of cancer in young adults are not always prevalent in their initial stages. Sometimes, symptoms don’t show themselves until it may be too late or treatment options become increasingly limited.
However, advancements in medical technology have made it easier than ever before to detect cancer in its earlier stages: a whole-body MRI scan.
Our whole-body MRI scanners can screen for nearly 500 health conditions across 13 organ systems, detecting silent cancer killers along the way in their search for abnormalities.
A full-body MRI scan allows our team to catch tumors at stage 0 or stage 1, increasing your chances of survival and possible treatment options. Our goal is not solely to detect early but to provide you with the opportunity to live a longer and fuller life at a time when that should be your top priority.
Take Control of Your Health with a Full Body MRI Scan
At MRI Wellness, our top priority is providing a means of taking a proactive approach to your health. Everyone deserves a chance at a life without limitations or worry at any age.
When you schedule a full-body MRI scan near you, you are taking your health into your own hands. We provide an experience centered on comfort, accuracy, and efficiency, allowing you to receive a comprehensive overview of your body and putting your mind at ease through knowledge.
Whether you are 21 or 51, everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the full quality of life. Schedule your scan today at MRI Wellness and take your health into your hands today!
