Cancer incidence among people under 50 is rising. Here's what to do about it: • Kansas Reflector

In 2024, there will be 2 million new cancer cases nationwide, slightly more likely to be men, and nearly 60,000 cancer deaths.

In the United States, prostate cancer (28%), lung cancer (11%), and colorectal cancer (8%) together account for approximately 48% of newly diagnosed cases in men. Breast cancer (32%), lung cancer (12%), and colorectal cancer (7%) together account for approximately 51% of new cases in women.

In Kansas, there were 16,640 new cancer cases, with prostate, breast, lung and colorectal cancers being the top four.

In recent years, the incidence of cancer has been on the rise. Increased consumption of processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, rising rates of obesity and alcohol use all contribute. Some suspect that carcinogens in the environment may play a similar role, and with good reason.

When looking at mortality rates for both men and women, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer are among the most deadly cancers. The number of deaths nationwide is expected to exceed 600,000, with slightly more deaths among men. The top four causes of death for men are lung cancer (20%), prostate cancer (11%), colorectal cancer (9%), and pancreatic cancer (8%). For women, the top four cancers with the highest mortality rates in 2024 will be lung cancer (21%), breast cancer (15%), colorectal cancer (8%), and pancreatic cancer (8%).

of Estimated number of deaths There were 5,660 cancer deaths in Kansas this year, with the four cancers with the highest mortality rates being lung cancer (1,250 deaths), colorectal cancer (490 deaths), pancreatic cancer (440 deaths), and women. Breast cancer (370 people).

Cancers in people under 50 include cancers that affect the lungs, breasts, stomach, and colon. The same types of cancers affect older people, except pancreatic cancer has replaced stomach cancer as the four leading causes of death in the United States.

In terms of mortality, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of death and the second leading cause of death in men under 50.

Breast cancer is on the rise among women under 50, with incidence increasing by 1% annually from 2012 to 2021. mortality rate has decreased There has been a 44% increase over the past 30 years, but unfortunately Native American and Alaskan women were the exception. The highest increase in incidence, more than 2.5%, occurred among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women. In fact, for women under 50, AAP1 women are now tied with white women for having the highest incidence of breast cancer (86 per 100,000).

The increased incidence of breast cancer can be partially explained by decreased female fertility and breastfeeding. Alcohol also plays a role.

Approximately 4 in 10 cancers among U.S. adults are thought to be caused by lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol, and being overweight. Among young people under 30, lack of awareness about the risks of smoking, excess body weight, low-fiber diets, and physical inactivity are likely to contribute to a significant proportion of cancer incidence and mortality. In fact, approximately 44% of cancer deaths in 2019 were due to modifiable or preventable risk factors.

Preventative measures include eating a healthy diet, exercising, reducing screen time, getting enough sleep, and having meaningful relationships.

Starting early in life, you should eat more vegetables, fruits, and some grains, eat less red meat, and double your intake of fish. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous. If you are in your teens, 20s, or 30s, walking for 30 to 40 minutes every day, about three times a week, will improve blood flow and burn calories. Running is also part of an exercise regimen and is highly beneficial for heart health. For those interested, weightlifting can help with muscle growth and conditioning and promote bone health.

If you eat right and get enough exercise, you should be able to fall asleep and get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day. Sleep helps regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure. People should avoid alcohol and smoking. Most importantly, having a group of family and friends to spend time with makes us happy and mentally strong. People with a family history may need additional genetic screening.

Let's hope that the young people of Kansas and the United States follow the best advice and live their healthiest lives.

Syed Jamal teaches chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology at the university level and researches phytoremediation and cancer biology. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of those affected by public policy or excluded from public debate. Find information including how to post your own comments. here.