Young women are becoming more and more likely to develop cancer at an alarming rate. women under 50 are already 82% more likely than males in the same age range to acquire cancer, according to the American cancer Society.
This shocking number shows a significant and alarming increase tendency, rising from a 51 percent higher level in 2002 to the present figure in 2021. The increase in invasive breast cancer is one of the main causes of this spike. According to data, the number of invasive breast cancer cases increased by 1% year between 2012 and 2021, with women under 50 years old seeing the largest increase at 1.4% annually. According to the study, several risk factors, such as being overweight, delaying delivery, and having fewer children, are responsible for this trend.Alarming cancer Trends Among Women
The incidence and death rates of other cancers are also rising, especially among women. For example, the mortality rate from uterine cancer has increased alarmingly, making it "one of the few cancers with increasing death rates." Uterine cancer death rates increased by 1.5% every year between 2013 and 2022. In a similar vein, colorectal cancer death rates have increased by 1% yearly, while the disease has increased by 2.4% annually in those under 50. Since the mid-1990s, diagnoses of pancreatic cancer have increased gradually by 1% per year, and fatality rates have similarly increased, albeit more slowly. In an interview with The New York Times, Rebecca L. Siegel, an epidemiologist at the American cancer Society and the report's primary author, stated that "these troubling trends are more pronounced among women."Broader Factors Behind the cancer Surge
According to experts, although some malignancies are also on the rise in males, the increase in women is disproportionately greater. "The trend is significant and points to broader factors beyond individual or population genetics," said Neil Iyengar, Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer Center oncologist. It is thought that lifestyle choices and environmental factors are major contributors to the increased cancer rates. The main causes are eating poorly, sleeping too little, smoking or vaping, drinking alcohol, and being among pollutants. Rebecca Siegel stressed that a lot of people don't realize how much they can do to lower their chance of developing cancer. "We possess the ability to change things. Quitting smoking is the most important step, she added.How to Lower Your cancer Risk
Preventive measures and a healthy lifestyle are the first steps in lowering the risk of cancer. The following tactics can help reduce the risk:
Avoid Tobacco: Since tobacco is one of the main causes of cancer, abstain from smoking and vaping.
Keep Your Weight in Check: Several malignancies, including uterine and breast cancer, are associated with obesity. Effective weight management may be achieved with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Consume a well-balanced diet that emphasizes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit red meat and processed meals.
Reducing alcohol use has been associated with a higher risk of developing several malignancies. Limit your intake or stay away from it completely.
Set priorities. Frequent Check-Ups: Early detection and improved results can be achieved with routine screenings for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers.
Remain Active: To improve general health, do moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
Guard Against Environmental Hazards: Limit your exposure to dangerous chemicals and contaminants, such as those found in household goods and the workplace.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel