When you’re in your 20s, 30s and 40s, you’re in the prime of life. You might be building your career, growing your family or exploring the world. You expect to have many years ahead of you, and facing a life-threatening illness like cancer is unthinkable.

But for more and more young people, a cancer diagnosis becomes their reality – and it changes everything.

Historically, cancer was considered a disease of the aging. Yet, it's becoming all too common for an increasing number of young adults. Recent reports paint a troubling picture: cancer rates among younger generations are escalating.

The American Cancer Society's annual report on cancer showed that, while cancer deaths are declining, new cases are increasing – from 1.9 million in 2022 to more than 2 million in 2023. More of the new instances involve young people. The report shows that younger people were the only age group to see an increase in total cancer incidence between 1995 and 2020, with rates rising by 1% to 2% each year.

This aligns with what Hackensack Meridian Health oncologist David B. Greenberg, M.D., is witnessing, too.

"We’re seeing what the data is showing,” affirms Dr. Greenberg. “We're routinely seeing 1 in every 5 patients who are 50 years or younger, and sometimes even 2 out of 5.”

From childhood cancer to cancers typically associated with older adults, like colorectal and breast cancer, no age group is immune. 

What's Behind the Surge in Young Cancer Cases

What’s causing the rising cancer rates in young people? There's no single answer to this question, but experts point to many factors that could contribute to more young cancer diagnoses:

What You Eat

The modern American diet is full of processed foods, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other potentially carcinogenic ingredients. Even diets marketed as healthy can disrupt the delicate balance of our gut biome – the healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Fast food and convenience meals may make life easier in the short term, but at what cost to our health?

"Even seemingly healthy diets aren't always the healthiest," explains Dr. Greenberg. "We're still learning about the impact of food quality and portion sizes on our gut bacteria, and how these factors can influence cancer development."

What You Drink

Increased alcohol consumption among young adults is another major factor for rising cancer rates. Alcohol is a well-established carcinogen, and its link to many types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer, is clear. Despite this information, many young people continue to drink alcohol in large quantities, oblivious to the long-term consequences for their health.

"Alcohol use has become a significant contributor to cancer risk, especially among young adults," says Dr. Greenberg. "While the standard recommendations for safe drinking are two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, even moderate alcohol consumption carries risks."

Smoking and Vaping

When you expose your lungs to harmful chemicals and toxins through vaping or smoking, you’re exposing them to known carcinogens. Doing this long-term can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including lung cancer.

Your Environment

Pollution and exposure to harmful chemicals may also play a role in the rising incidence of cancer among young people.Air pollution has long been linked with lung cancer, but research shows it can also increase the risk of breast, liver and pancreatic cancers. 

Empowering Young People to Take Control

No matter your age, you can’t completely eliminate your cancer risk. But there are things you can do to lower your risk and catch cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages:

Know Your Risks

Understanding your family history is key. Certain genes can make you more likely to get cancer. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These mutations are hereditary and can be passed down from one generation to another. Talk to your doctor about your family's health history so you can make a proactive plan that's right for you.

Make Healthy Choices

What you eat and how active you are can make a big difference in cancer prevention. Choose whole, organic foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains and lower the amount of processed foods you eat. Stay active with regular exercise, avoid smoking and cut back on drinking alcohol.

Get Vaccinated

Some cancers, such as cervical cancer and anal cancer, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Getting vaccinated against HPV can help protect you from these types of cancer. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine to see if it's right for you.

“The HPV vaccine is one of the biggest weapons we have in the prevention of cancer among young people,” says Dr. Greenberg. “HPV is a huge cancer trigger, and the vaccine is safe.”

Have Regular Check-Ups

Even if you’re young and healthy, it’s important to have an established primary care provider who you see regularly. Don't wait for problems to show up. Regular check-ups with your doctor can catch cancer early when it's easier to treat. Stay on schedule with tests like mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies, which can detect cancer before it spreads.

"Listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and don't hesitate to seek medical attention if something doesn't feel right," says Dr. Greenberg.

Your Health, Your Future

Cancer doesn't discriminate – it doesn't care if you're young and have your whole life ahead of you. Your health is your most valuable asset. Only YOU have the power to protect yourself.

"Getting a cancer diagnosis is terrible – young people are supposed to be at the peak of their lives, but it’s all put on hold for cancer," says Dr. Greenberg. "We definitely need to take this more seriously." 

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our source: David B. Greenberg, M.D.
• Locate a primary care location near you.
• To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.