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Rising Rates of Cancer in Young People Prompt Hunt for Environmental Culprit

Bafflingly Many Young Patients Are in Good Shape, Exercise Regularly, and Eat Healthily

Cancer, once predominantly seen as a disease of the elderly, is now rising among young adults at an alarming rate. A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reveals that the incidence of cancer among young adults in the United States has increased faster in women than in men and in Hispanic people faster than in whites.

Environmental Factors Suspected

The study's authors are baffled by the findings, as many of the young patients they studied are in good shape, exercise regularly, and eat healthily. This has prompted a hunt for environmental factors that may be contributing to the increase in cancer rates.

Birth Cohort Effect

One potential explanation for the increase in young-onset cancers is a “birth cohort effect.” This refers to the idea that a particular generation may be more susceptible to cancer due to exposures to environmental factors during early life.