SHAREing & CAREing

NYC Cancer Support Services

Cancer and Young Adults: The Most Common Types

Cancer is most often thought of as a disease that occurs in older adults. In fact, cancer risk increases with advanced age, with patients’ median age across cancer types sitting at 66 years. However, that doesn’t mean young people are free from cancer risk. Disturbingly, early-onset cancer cases, cancer cases in young people, are predicted to increase by around 30% worldwide in less than 10 years. Currently, approximately 4.4% of all new cancer cases occur in young adults. While this percentage seems small, it accounts for approximately 86,000 people! Let’s explore how cancer affects young adults, which cancers are most common, and steps you can take to prevent and manage your risk. 

Cancer affects thousands of young adults annually. Photo by SHVets Production

What is Young Adult Cancer?

Adolescents and young adults are generally considered those from ages 15-39, and certain cancers are more common in these demographics. In addition, patients must often deal with challenges during and after treatment, including an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Adolescent and young adult, or AYA cancer, can take many forms, including leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and melanoma.

Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations & Criteria

Leukemia in Young Adults

Approximately 10% of AYA cancer deaths can be attributed to leukemia. A cancer of the white blood cells, leukemia prevents the body from completing natural processes that help fight infection, carry oxygen, and clot blood. The two most common types of leukemia in young people are acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). While it is not known why this disease affects young adults, those with certain genetic conditions, including Downs syndrome, and those with certain bone marrow conditions like aplastic anemia have been found to be at a higher risk of infection. Leukemia also carries a higher long term mortality burden compared with other AYA cancers. 

Lymphoma in Young Adults

Lymphoma accounts for almost 1 in 5 young adult cancer cases. A disease affecting immune cells called lymphocytes, lymphoma in young adults can target numerous areas of the body, including the tonsils and bone marrow. There are two types of lymphoma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, with Hodgkin more common in young adults, specifically those ages 15-19. Symptoms can include weight loss, fevers, sweats, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin areas. 

Breast Cancer in Young Adults

Though breast cancer is more common as women age, it is still a concern for young adults, accounting for 15% of AYA cancer cases. That’s because when breast cancer occurs in young women it is often more aggressive and more likely the harder-to-treat triple-negative breast cancer. The emergence of new technology and genetic understanding has helped women of all ages gain a better understanding of their cancer risk, with BRCA gene mutation testing becoming accessible. While the outlook for young women with breast cancer is often better compared to that of older ladies, it is still essential to gain quick diagnosis and treatment. 

Colon Cancer in Young Adults

Colon or colorectal cancers, including bowel cancer or rectal cancer, that occur in young adults are most commonly associated with inherited genetics that increase risk. Screening can often pick up colorectal cancer in young adults at early stages, but screening is not common unless one knows of their increased risk. As a result, it is important to take note of any unusual symptoms, including rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal plan, and discuss them with a doctor. 

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Testicular Cancer in Teenagers

Testicular cancer causes 8% of AYA cancer diagnoses. It is one of the most common types to occur among teenage males, and occurs in two forms: germ cell and non-germ cell. Fortunately, this is a cancer with one of the highest survivability rates. If confined to the testicles, it has a 99% 5-year survival rate. 

Thyroid Cancer in Young Adults

15% of young adult cancer cases can be attributed to cancer of the thyroid. Common among both males and females, this cancer affects the thyroid gland, which is key to regulating hormones and sending messages throughout the body. Radiation exposure and certain genetic factors increase one’s risk for this disease.

Melanoma in Young Adults

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is responsible for 7% of all new AYA cancer cases. Although only one of several types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most deadly, as it has a higher potential to spread to other parts of the body. However, skin cancers, which can affect skin of all tones, are one of the most preventable types of cancers, and young people can take precautions such as simply reducing sun exposure and wearing sunscreen. 

This is not an exhaustive list of the cancers that can affect young people, but some of the most common. The best ways to prevent these and other cancers in young adults are similar to cancer prevention methods that are suitable for older people as well. A healthy diet, consistent exercise, and eliminating or reducing smoking and alcohol intake are all beneficial ways to prevent or reduce your risk for cancer. Those with a family history of certain cancers should make efforts to get screened earlier than patients typically would, or even undergo genetic testing to analyze their risk. SHAREing & CAREing is here to support and educate patients regardless of age, and has numerous options for those that are facing this diagnosis. Are you ready to help reverse the predicted trends?

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