The Truth About the Rise of Cancer in People Under 50

The Rise of Cancer in Young People (Don't Panic) 

As technology and medicine advance, you’d think cancer cases would decrease. But recent headlines state otherwise: "More young women are getting breast cancer," "Colon cancer is rising among younger adults" and "Cervical cancer increasing in women in their 30s and 40s." It's enough to make you spiral. So we're going beyond the headline to give you the stats behind the stories.

What’s my actual cancer risk?

A commonly cited study says cancer cases in young adults have surged nearly 80% worldwide over the past three decades. But the population grew about 40% larger between 1991 and 2019 — which means cancer cases would naturally increase, too. Considering population growth, this study found that about 100 out of 100,000 young people in the US had cancer in 2010. By 2019, that number went up to about 103. So the increase is relatively small. 

Here’s the data on three of the most common types of cancer that affect women:

Breast cancer 

It accounted for the highest number of diagnoses among young people between 2010 and 2019. During that time, cases increased from 21 to 24 for every 100,000 people (about .024%). Young Black women have higher mortality rates, compared to white women in the same age group.

Colorectal cancer

Rates for gastrointestinal cancers — which include colorectal cancer — are growing faster than any other type of cancer for this age group. For every 100,000 young people, about seven developed colorectal cancer in 2010 — and about eight in 2019 (.008%).

Uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers

Data shows these cancers have increased faster than most other types. Uterine cancer disproportionately impacts Black women and Hispanic women, and one study found that cervical cancer has increased among low-income women. In 2019, for every 100,000 young people, about three developed uterine cancer (.003%), three developed cervical cancer (.003%), and two developed ovarian cancer (.002%).

Your move

It’s natural to worry about your health, but panicking doesn’t protect you. Here’s what to do instead:

1. Remember that “simply hearing about cancer, or recognizing that you might share similar characteristics with people who get cancer, does not mean you will get it,” says Karen Cassiday, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author.

2. Check your sources. Cassiday recommends reading articles from outlets that cite credible universities, medical schools, and organizations. (No, TikTok doesn’t count.)

3. Stay current on screenings and vaccinations. And bring any unusual symptoms to your doctor (not Dr. Google). 

4. If your doctor listens to you, runs tests, and says things look fine, trust the evidence. If you don’t feel heard, it’s your right to find a doc who will thoroughly investigate your symptoms.

Read more about the real risk of cancer in young people.

We asked you to vote on a question you’d like answered. The winner was:

How effective are water filters like Brita?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Anna Reade, PhD

Senior scientist and director of PFAS advocacy at the Natural Resources Defense Council

“Smaller filter systems like pitchers … can be effective for certain contaminants,” like PFAS and lead, says Reade. But “look at the documents provided by the company and ensure that [your filter] is certified by NSF or the Water Quality Association to remove the contaminants you are concerned about.” 

And don’t forget to change your filters to reap the benefits. Old or saturated filters “may … start releasing contaminants back into your water. Bacteria can also accumulate in filters if they go unused for a while or aren't changed regularly.”

Read our full interview with Reade here.

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Pour one out for the Diet Coke girlies: A new study found that diet drinks may be linked to a potentially serious heart condition. Seltzer, anyone? 

If you haven’t ~gone~ in a couple days, let us ask you one thing: Are you stressed?

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Where to follow: On Instagram, TikTok, and her website

Why we follow: Reardon aka The Vagina Whisperer has taught us more about our pelvic floor than any health class. She brings some much-needed awareness to the sexy and unsexy parts, like: Preparing for birth, pooping postpartum, washing your vulva properly, and queefing, to name a few.

"Sleeping"

Another thing women feel guilty about. No need to worry, ladies: We’re about to lose an hour of it this weekend.