You feel unstoppable when you're young. While fighting cancer is tough for anybody, young adults have unique obstacles in dealing with symptoms, accepting a diagnosis, and getting treatment. There is a very fine line distinguishing childhood cancers, cancers in young adults, and cancers occurring beyond young adulthood, with these categories often overlapping rather than being clearly separated.
Although cancer is uncommon among young adults, they are not completely immune to developing cancer at a young age. Such cancer management involves a complex approach for long-term results. Let's explore these distinct challenges and in what ways young adults with cancer can effectively navigate them.
Most cancers develop in older adults. The types of cancers seen in young adults are a mix of those that commonly occur in children, teenagers, and older adults. Cancers that begin in children or teenagers are much less common, and the types of cancers in this group often differ from those seen in adults. Childhood and adolescent cancers are usually caused by genetic changes that occur very early in life, sometimes even before birth. Unlike many adult cancers, these cancers are generally weakly associated with lifestyle choices or environmental risk factors.
There is a widespread notion that cancers in young adults center on those that manifest the cancer symptoms in the age group of 20 to 39 years. People in their 20s, 30s, and 40s have traditionally been less concerned about a cancer diagnosis than older adults. At this stage of life, the emphasis is often on understanding risk factors and taking preventive steps to reduce the likelihood of developing cancer in the future.
Currently, an increasing trend has been noticed in the emergence of more and more cancer cases in young adults. Cancer experts are conducting investigations to identify the cause of the recent surge in cases in these age groups.
The following are the cancers that are common in young adults:
According to experts, lifestyle decisions have a significant role in the development of cancer in young adults. These are
All these factors contribute to chronic inflammation in the body, which can damage cells and increase the risk of developing cancer earlier in life. Vaping and smoking exacerbate the risk by exposing people to the toxic chemicals that can directly damage DNA, raising the risk of various forms of cancer. Spending hours online or on screens can often result in a lack of physical exercise, poor sleep, and altered body rhythms, all of which further impair the immune system.
Stress, poor sleep, and generally unhealthy habits combine to create an ideal environment for cancer to grow at a younger age. Essentially, the lifestyle choices we make now, particularly in our 20s and 30s, can have a significant influence on our long-term health, and making minor modifications today can have a major impact later on.
There are several reasons why cancers in young adults may not be detected early. Early cancer symptoms may overlap with those of common diseases or traumas. Young individuals may feel worn out, become sick, or develop abnormal growths and bruises, which can hide the early stages of cancer. However, it is critical to be aware of the typical signs and symptoms of cancer. These may include:
Cancer therapy for adults is the same as for other age groups. The cancer type and its stage (extent of spread) are the most crucial factors that influence the treatment options. If it happens to you or someone you know, talk to the doctors about all possible treatments and their side effects. Mostly, the combination of treatments is advised based on the stage of cancer, type of cancer, overall health of the patient, and the recurrence rate of the cancer. The following are the treatment options for cancer in young adults:
| Aspect | Pediatric Cancer | Adult Cancer |
| Age Group | Children and adolescents | Adults |
| Common Cancer Types | Leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas | Breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, skin |
| Primary Causes | Often linked to early genetic changes | Frequently associated with lifestyle and environmental factors |
| Role of Lifestyle | Minimal or no influence | Significant influence (smoking, diet, obesity, inactivity) |
| Genetic Influence | More commonly due to inherited or early mutations | More often due to acquired mutations over time |
| Prevention | Limited preventive measures | Many cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes |
| Treatment Approach | Focus on the cure with intensive therapy | Balances cure, control, and quality of life |
Young individuals are now experiencing a rise in the prevalence of cancers previously only detected in the older population. Experts point to factors related to lifestyle, like increased intake of processed food, lack of activity, and stress, as key contributors. Sometimes, we overlook early warning indicators because we believe that cancer primarily affects the elderly. Successful outcomes and longevity depend on proactive health decisions and early detection.
For the best care for cancer in young adults, choose BMCHRC. Book your consultation now!
Q1: Can young adults really get cancer?
A: Yes. While cancer is less common in young adults, it can still occur and should not be overlooked.
Q2: Are cancers in young adults different from those in older people?
A: Yes. Young adults may develop a mix of childhood-type and adult-type cancers, and symptoms are sometimes overlooked due to age.
Q3: Can cancer in young adults be prevented?
A: Not all cancers can be prevented, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking timely medical advice for unusual symptoms can significantly reduce risk.
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