Cancer Rates Among Younger Americans, Particularly Women, Are on the Rise, New Study Finds
A new study published in JAMA Network Open has highlighted a concerning trend in cancer rates among younger Americans, particularly women. The study revealed that while cancers among older adults have been on the decline, cancers among individuals under the age of 50 have slightly increased overall. The largest increases were observed among those in the 30 to 39 age group.
“This is a population that has had less focus in cancer research and their numbers are getting bigger, so it’s important to do more research to understand why this is happening,” said Paul Oberstein, director of the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Program at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center.
Experts speculate that rising obesity rates, lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, poor sleep, and sedentary behavior, as well as environmental factors like exposure to pollutants and carcinogenic chemicals, could be contributing to the increase in cancer among younger individuals.
The study analyzed data from over 560,000 patients in the United States diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 with early-onset cancer (diagnosed in individuals younger than 50). Overall, the study found that early-onset cancer diagnoses rose by nearly 1 percent during the study period, with the most significant increase observed in the 30 to 39 age group.
Certain types of cancer showed significant increases. Breast cancer accounted for the highest number of cancer cases among younger people, with an 8 percent increase over the 10-year period. Gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal cancer, increased by about 15 percent during that time, making it the fastest-growing type of cancer among younger individuals.
The study also revealed a notable difference between men and women, with early-onset cancers in women increasing by 4.4 percent during the study period, while the number declined by nearly 5 percent among men. The increase in cancer among younger women was primarily driven by breast and uterine cancers.
There were also significant racial disparities observed in the study. Asian or Pacific Islanders showed a 32 percent increase in cancer cases among younger individuals, followed by Hispanic patients with a 28 percent increase. However, cases among younger Black patients slightly declined by about 5 percent.
It is important to note that while the increases in cancer rates among younger individuals are concerning, they still represent a relatively small portion of overall cancer cases. Nevertheless, experts emphasize the need for further research to understand the underlying causes and potential risk factors.
“Our motivation is to help identify risk factors that may be able to explain these trends,” said Hyuna Sung, senior principal scientist and cancer epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society.
The findings of studies like these may influence screening recommendations for cancers such as breast and colorectal cancer. As trends continue to emerge, it is crucial to closely monitor them in order to adapt screening practices and minimize cancer risks among younger individuals.
In the United States, an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year. While there are no screening tests available for certain cancers, managing body weight, engaging in regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking are some of the key measures individuals can take to minimize their cancer risk.
As research progresses, it is hoped that a better understanding of the causes behind the increase in cancer rates among younger Americans will lead to targeted prevention strategies and improved outcomes for this vulnerable population.