Cancer Is Affecting Younger People: How Should Young Adults Respond?
We often associate “old age” with illness, death, and dependence, while “youth” symbolizes health, vitality, and optimism. Yet, when cancer strikes the young, it always comes as a shock. August 12 marks International Youth Day, an annual event initiated by the United Nations to raise awareness of youth-related issues worldwide. Today, let’s turn our attention to a group that is often overlooked — young people living with cancer.
In recent years, we’ve seen more and more news reports about young celebrities losing their lives to cancer. Has cancer really become a disease of the young?
According to a study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians[1], the incidence of cancer among young people aged 15–39 increased steadily between 2007 and 2016. In the past, youth was often considered a “low-risk” group. That perception began to change in 2006, when the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) released the first detailed report on cancer incidence and prognosis among young adults. The results showed that cancer had become the leading cause of death in this age group.
Although the majority of cancer cases still occur in older adults, this downward age trend is now undeniable — and alarming.
For anyone, accepting a cancer diagnosis is never easy — and it can be especially devastating for young people who are just entering the prime of their lives.
Young adults often have a strong desire for social recognition — to prove themselves at work, in their families, and in society. Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis can suddenly derail these ambitions. The shock of the diagnosis, confusion among loved ones, financial burdens, and social stigma can leave young cancer patients feeling lost, isolated, and under enormous psychological pressure.
When stress and anxiety become overwhelming, it’s important to seek professional help from psychologists or psychiatrists. Proper psychological intervention can help relieve cancer-related emotional distress and reduce fear caused by a lack of understanding about the disease. With timely, targeted, and professional mental support, patients are more likely to face treatment with optimism and resilience[2].
It’s also crucial to remember: getting cancer is not the patient’s fault. We should reject the stigma surrounding young people with cancer. As a society, we must all say “no” to discrimination and offer empathy and understanding instead.
Some cancers are closely linked to genetic factors. However, for many others, modern lifestyle habits play a major role. From a medical perspective, prevention and early detection are key. Doctors always emphasize “prevention first” and the importance of early screening and early treatment — because in the fight against cancer, time matters.
Make prevention part of your routine. Turn annual health check-ups into a regular habit. By doing so, you protect both yourself and the people who care about you.
Here are a few time-tested but important reminders for cancer prevention:
Maintain a Healthy Weight and Stay Active
Research shows that obesity is associated with multiple health risks, and both overweight and obesity are well-established cancer risk factors. Reducing body fat can lower the risk of several cancers — including cancers of the gastric cardia, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, ovaries, and thyroid, as well as multiple myeloma and meningioma[3]. Adopting a healthy lifestyle — through regular physical activity and limiting high-calorie foods — can effectively reduce excess weight and lower the risk of developing cancer.
Say “No” to Tobacco and Alcohol
According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, all forms of tobacco exposure — whether firsthand smoke, secondhand smoke, or thirdhand smoke (residual particles that cling to clothing, carpets, and even skin and hair) — can harm the respiratory, nervous, and circulatory systems. Meanwhile, alcohol has long been classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen. Any amount of alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, regardless of the type of beverage[4].
Regular Screenings: Early Detection Saves Lives
Why do people still fear cancer so much? One key reason is that many cancers show few or no symptoms in their early stages. By the time most patients seek medical attention, the disease is already at an advanced stage, missing the optimal window for treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 30%–50% of cancers are preventable — including breast, lung, and cervical cancers. Thanks to modern research and technological advances, more common cancers can now be detected early through screening. Early detection greatly improves survival rates, reduces financial burdens, and helps patients maintain a better quality of life.
References
[1] Miller KD, Fidler-Benaoudia M, Keegan TH, Hipp HS, Jemal A, Siegel RL. Cancer statistics for adolescents and young adults, 2020. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020 Nov;70(6):443-459. doi:10.3322/caac.21637.
[2] Guo Ruimin, Li Ning. Meta-analysis on the Effect of Psychological Intervention on the Mental State and Quality of Life of Patients with Malignant Tumors. Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology and Rehabilitation, 2020, 27(09):46-50.
[3] Body Fatness and Cancer — Viewpoint of the IARC Working Group. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(8):794–798.
[4] McKnight-Eily LR, Henley SJ, Green PP, Odom EC, Hungerford DW. Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention: A Potential Role in Cancer Prevention for Young Adults. Am J Prev Med. 2017;53(3S1):S55–S62.
