The Rise of Cases
Young people see cancer cases rise throughout the U.S. and it is being suggested by studies that the cause is cells aging faster. Millennials and Gen Z’s finding that they have cancer more than the elders. Oncologists at Memorial Cancer Institute in Hollywood are seeing more cases.
“That feeling that because you’re young this will not affect you. This will not get to you, unfortunately it’s not true,” said Dr. Brian Hunis, Medical Director of Medical Oncology at Memorial Cancer Institute.
I would tell you being part of that age group, it is scary because we used to treat people older than we are. And it’s not quite frequent to treat people our age or younger.
How is this Being Found?
Sadly, these cases have been on the raise in young people for years. A team of scientists at Washington University in St. Louis used nine blood-based markers to calculate their biological age. A measure that captures the overall state of a person’s cells and tissues.
Following that, tracked data from 150,000 people between the ages of 37 and 54 in the U.K Biobank, a massive biomedical database. Finding that cancer cases effects more young people, and it is scary.
What is Cancer?
Any one large number of disease characterized by the growth of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably. Subsequently, they have the ability to penetrate and demolish normal body tissue. As well as having the ability to spread throughout ones body.
Furthermore, this disease can flare up in nearly any part of a persons body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Sometimes throughout the process of cell division, damaged cells grow and multiply when they should not. In response to this, these cells may form lumps of tissue, which are also known as tumors.
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Unfortunately there are many symptoms of variants of this disease. All of them vary depending on what type of cancer is diagnosed. However, here are some general symptoms that are based around this disease:
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Fatigue.
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
- Hoarseness.
- Weight Changes, including unintended weight gain or loss.
- Changes in the bowel or bladder habits.
- Persistent and unexplained muscle or joint pain.
- Persistent cough.
- Constant indigestion or discomfort after eating.
- Trouble breathing.
- Unexplained fevers or night sweats.
Lastly, there will be skin changes; such as yellowing, darkening or redness or the skin. Along with, sores that will not heal or changes to existing moles.
If you or a loved one thinks this is an issue, call your doctor immediately for more discussion.
By Key Robertson
Sources
National Cancer Institute: What is cancer?
CNN Health: Cancer incidence rising among adults under 50, new report says, leaving doctors searching for answers
Mayo Clinic: Cancer
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Inset Image Courtesy of Heartlover1717 Flickr Page Creative Common License
