NEW HAVEN, CT – The early years of adulthood are often viewed as a time for exploration and adventure, where the primary focus is on building a career, forming new relationships, and experiencing the world. However, an increasingly common, yet unexpected, challenge facing this age group is the diagnosis of cancer. Often thought of as a disease that affects older individuals, cancer is now impacting adults at a younger age, with diagnoses occurring before the age of 40 or even 50 in some cases. These instances are categorized as “early-onset” cancers, identified in those between 18 and 49 years of age. The trend is particularly alarming given that advancing age is traditionally seen as the predominant risk factor for cancer.

Many young adults find themselves outside the recommended age range for routine cancer screenings, such as mammographies and colonoscopies, which typically start at ages 40 and 45, respectively. The busy nature of their lives, coupled with challenges such as limited health insurance coverage and a tendency to downplay health issues, can lead to delayed diagnoses. As a result, cancers may be discovered at more advanced stages when they are more difficult to treat effectively.

“It’s such an important question, and it points to the need for more research in all kinds of domains—in population science, behavioral health, public health, and basic science as well.”Dr. Veda Giri

Dr. Veda Giri, a medical oncologist and the director of the Early-Onset Cancer Program at Yale Cancer Center’s Smilow Cancer Hospital, emphasizes the significance of this issue, stating, “It’s such an important question, and it points to the need for more research in all kinds of domains—in population science, behavioral health, public health, and basic science as well.” The program she leads is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by younger cancer patients through a comprehensive approach that includes research, clinical services, and psycho-oncologic care.

Early-onset cancers are not only defined by the age at which they occur but also by their distinct characteristics when compared to cancers diagnosed later in life. For example, certain types of breast cancer tend to be more aggressive in younger individuals. Yale Medicine’s specialists point out that younger women are more likely to develop triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers, which are aggressive and often require intensive treatment.

The incidence of cancer among younger adults is on the rise, with various reports indicating an increase in diagnoses within this age group. Notably, the American Cancer Society’s annual report, Cancer Statistics, 2024, highlighted a steady increase in cancer cases among younger adults from 1995 to 2020, marking them as the only age group with an increasing overall cancer incidence during that time. This uptick includes common cancers such as breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers, as well as colorectal and cervical cancers. Specifically, colorectal cancer has become a leading cause of cancer death among men under 50, with a noticeable rise in cases among individuals younger than 55 since the mid-1990s.

Family history plays a crucial role in the early detection and diagnosis of cancer, particularly for those who are too young for standard screening protocols. Sharing a detailed family history with healthcare providers can lead to earlier screening and potentially more timely diagnoses. Dr. Jeremy Kortmansky, a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, notes, “If there is a family history of either cancer or polyps, we usually start colonoscopy screening 10 to 15 years before the family member who had it was diagnosed.”

The impact of early-onset cancer extends beyond the physical challenges of the disease. Young adults facing cancer must also navigate issues related to fertility, body image, sexual health, and the psychological weight of living with the possibility of recurrence. These concerns underscore the need for specialized support and comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of this population.

Recent research has suggested that “accelerated aging” might play a role in the increased risk of early-onset cancers. A study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting found that individuals with a higher biological age, as determined by specific biomarkers, had a significantly increased risk of developing early-onset cancers, including lung, gastrointestinal, and uterine cancers. The study’s findings point to accelerated aging as a factor that may contribute to the rising incidence of cancer among younger generations, emphasizing the importance of addressing lifestyle and environmental risk factors.

“Just because a person is 40 years old chronologically does not mean that they are 40 years old biochemically.”Dr. Brett Osborn

Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurologist and longevity expert, frequently discusses the concept of accelerated aging with his patients, highlighting the difference between chronological age and biological health. He notes, “Just because a person is 40 years old chronologically does not mean that they are 40 years old biochemically.” Osborn points out that obesity, a growing concern in modern society, is a major contributor to accelerated aging and related diseases, including cancer. The relationship between obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation underscores the need for a health-conscious approach to potentially mitigate the risks associated with accelerated aging.

Cancer Rates Rising Among Young People

 

The increasing prevalence of early-onset cancers raises significant concerns and calls for a concerted effort to understand and address the underlying causes. While research continues to explore the factors contributing to this trend, the importance of early detection, informed by family history and proactive health management, cannot be overstated. The findings also highlight the need for lifestyle changes and interventions aimed at slowing biological aging as a new avenue for cancer prevention. As the medical community and younger generations grapple with the implications of these developments, the fight against early-onset cancer remains a critical challenge that requires attention, awareness, and action.