Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow uncontrollably. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. However, it has been observed that younger adults are increasingly being diagnosed with cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancer, has increased among adults under the age of 50. There are several risk factors associated with cancer development in younger adults. Let’s take a look at some of these risk factors in detail.

1. Unhealthy lifestyle choices

Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, and lack of exercise have been linked to the development of cancer in younger adults.

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for lung cancer, but it also increases the risk of several other types of cancer, including bladder, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. Lack of physical exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

2. Exposure to environmental toxins

Younger adults may be exposed to environmental toxins in their workplace or living environment, which can increase the risk of cancer. For example, exposure to asbestos is a known risk factor for lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Exposure to radon, a natural radioactive gas, can also increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, exposure to chemicals such as benzene, which is commonly found in gasoline, can increase the risk of leukemia.

3. Genetics

Inherited genetic mutations can also increase the risk of cancer in younger adults. For example, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Inherited mutations in the Lynch syndrome genes can increase the risk of colorectal and other types of cancer. However, it’s important to note that not all young individuals with cancer have an inherited genetic mutation.

4. Immune system disorders

Younger adults with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing cancer. For example, individuals with HIV/AIDS have an increased risk of developing Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer.

People who have received an organ transplant and are taking immunosuppressive drugs also have an increased risk of developing cancer.

5. Hormonal factors

Hormonal factors can also play a role in the development of cancer in younger adults. For example, women who have taken oral contraceptives for a long period of time have an increased risk of developing breast and cervical cancer.

Similarly, women who have undergone hormone replacement therapy have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, young men who have been exposed to high levels of estrogen in their lifetime, such as those who have undergone gender reassignment surgery, have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

6. Family history

A family history of cancer can increase the risk of cancer in younger adults. Individuals with a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has been diagnosed with cancer have a higher risk of developing the same type of cancer.

However, it’s important to note that the majority of young adults diagnosed with cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

7. Radiation exposure

Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as radiation therapy for other medical conditions, can increase the risk of developing cancer.

For example, young women who have undergone radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma have an increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life.

8. Viral infections

Some viral infections have been linked to an increased risk of cancer in younger adults. For example, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer.

Infection with the hepatitis B or C virus can increase the risk of liver cancer.

9. Obesity

Obesity is a known risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer.

In recent years, the prevalence of obesity has increased among younger adults, which may partly explain the increase in cancer incidence among this age group.

10. Stress

Chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases, including cancer.

In addition, stress can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and overeating, which can further increase the risk of cancer.

Conclusion

There are several risk factors associated with the development of cancer in younger adults.

These include unhealthy lifestyle choices, exposure to environmental toxins, genetics, immune system disorders, hormonal factors, family history of cancer, radiation exposure, viral infections, obesity, and stress. It’s important for younger adults to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

This includes making healthy lifestyle choices, avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, getting screened for cancer, and staying up to date with vaccinations.