A newly released study has revealed a growing prevalence of cancer among young people. According to the findings, the overall incidence rate of early onset cancers increased between 2010 and 2019.
Speaking on PBS’s Arizona Horizon, Christina Gomez, a gastrointestinal oncologist from Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Valley, said people have to be more mindful of spotting symptoms.
“Symptoms that patients may say, ‘Oh, It’s nothing.’ A little abdominal pain, some weight loss, changes in bowel habits, bleeding. Bleeding is never normal. ‘Oh well, it’s just hemorrhoidal. You know, it’s a little too early. We’re too young.’ Something’s happening,” she said.
Gomez said possible causes include alcohol consumption and changes to diet. Despite the increased rate of cancers among young people, the rate decreased for adults 50 years or older.
