Rising Cancer Diagnoses in Young Adults: Lifestyle Changes and Early Screenings can Lower Risks

 

In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged: a noticeable rise in cancer diagnoses among young adults. This discussion is particularly timely following the news of Princess Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis and the growing recognition that cancer is no longer a disease confined to older populations. Research indicates that environmental and behavioral factors, alongside genetics, may be contributing to this increase.

Why is there an increase in cancer diagnoses among younger populations, and what screenings should be prioritized to detect it early?

In this episode of “I Don’t Care,” host Dr. Kevin Stevenson talks with Dr. Najeeb Al Hallak, the medical oncologist and co-leader of the gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine oncology multidisciplinary team at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. They delve into the importance of early cancer screenings and how primary care physicians can play a pivotal role in early detection and prevention.

Main Points of Conversation:

  • The importance of early cancer screenings for young adults, especially for those with familial or genetic predispositions.
  • The impact of environmental and behavioral factors on cancer risk in younger populations.
  • Specific cancer screening recommendations for young adults, including colonoscopies, mammograms, and genetic testing.

Dr. Najeeb Al Hallak is a distinguished medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers. He serves as an associate professor in oncology at Wayne State University and co-leads the gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine oncology multidisciplinary team at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. His research focuses on gastrointestinal malignancies, clinical trials, and the development of new cancer treatments.

Recent Episodes

Cardiovascular care is entering one of its most transformative periods in decades. Advances in AI imaging and minimally invasive procedures are transforming the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2022, representing approximately 32% of all global deaths. This…

Across America, rural hospitals are facing an existential crisis. From physician burnout and recruitment struggles to malpractice insurance woes and shrinking OB units, the challenges facing small health systems are multiplying. According to the National Rural Health Association, roughly 190 rural hospitals have closed down or discontinued inpatient care since 2010 — and many more…

In this episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, host Lea Sims, Chief Marketing Officer of TruMerit, welcomes Laura Messineo, Chief Nursing Officer at WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions. With more than 35 years of nursing experience and two decades pioneering virtual health, Laura shares her expertise in using telehealth to expand access, empower clinicians,…