Cancer Rates Rise Among Younger People: How Screening Can Help.

Experts suspect that factors such as obesity and exposure to carcinogens in the environment could be behind the rise. At the same time, screening and preventive care have become more advanced for several cancer types. While researchers are working to understand why, patients can take action by getting screened when eligible: Cancer is most treatable when it’s found early. 

For patients, it’s important to understand your personal and family risk of cancer. Talk with your doctor about the types and frequency of cancer screenings you need now and as you age.  

Why is cancer screening important?

Regular cancer screening is important, because this is our best tool to find cancer before it has a chance to grow and spread to other parts of the body. 

Screening provides the opportunity to spot cancer before symptoms develop and the best chance at successful treatment—smaller, less developed cancers that have not spread are usually easier to treat. 

When cancer is found early, patients and providers can consider less invasive treatment options with shorter recovery and lower cost. Studies have shown that earlier detection through screening can lead to a better chance at survival and improved quality of life. 

Screening can include a number of different tests, beginning with a physical exam and a conversation about your lifestyle and health history. Other screening methods include:

• Lab tests: Samples of your blood, tissue, urine and more can be tested for signs of cancer.

• Imaging: Using advanced technologies such as computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, mammography, positron emission tomography (PET) scans and more to look for evidence of cancer inside the body.

• Genetic tests: Your cells can be analyzed in the lab to check for signs of changes in the genes, which could signal you have or are at risk for cancer.

Screening is not meant to diagnose cancer, and additional tests are likely in the case of a positive screening result. While a mammogram can identify a lump in the breast, for example, a biopsy can verify whether it is cancer, and lead to other tests to understand the disease’s stage and inform treatment decisions.

Not all screenings are right for everyone, and some are only available to people at high risk of cancer. If you are at higher risk due to your family or personal health history, you may also need earlier or more frequent screenings.

Who should get screened?

The U.S. Preventative Services Taskforce recommends when cancer screenings should take place. For most people with average risk, screening doesn’t need to begin until your 40s—unless you have a condition that could lead to cancer or a family history of cancer. That’s why it’s so important to work with your doctor to understand your personal risk.

To learn about specific screening guidelines for many types of cancer, check out our Cancer Screening Guide. The Guide includes free tools to help you understand your individual risk for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lung cancer. 

Related reading: When and Why Do Women Need Mammogram Screenings for Breast Cancer?

Understanding your risk.

Factors that can influence your risk of developing cancer include your family and personal health history, as well as your lifestyle. Researchers have found that up to 50% of your cancer risk is linked to your habits, including how you sleep, eat, and exercise, whether you smoke, and whether you get screening when you’re eligible. 

Genetics play a big role, too. Some families pass down genes from generation to generation that can increase the risk of developing cancer. Genetic counseling and testing can help you understand how your genes influence your risk while providing education and support to help empower your health decisions and manage your risk.

Related reading: The Importance of Colon Cancer Screening for Adults 45 and Older.

Treatment innovations mean more survival.

With advances in screening, there’s a lot you can do to manage your risk and detect cancer early. Plus, thanks to advanced treatments there are more cancer survivors than ever before.

In the American Cancer Society study that noted more cancers among younger people, researchers found something else interesting. While more cancers are being diagnosed, the number of people dying from these cancers is either staying the same or declining for most cancer types.

Researchers say this is due to several factors, including:

• Immunotherapy: Advanced treatments leverage the body’s immune system to help deter cancer
• Targeted and hormonal therapies: Medications matched to specific tumor biomarkers or gene mutations
• Screening: Better screening has helped detect more cancers earlier, when treatment has the best chance of success

At MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, we combine the expertise of leading physicians, the latest therapies, and innovation from advanced research studies into state-of-the-art cancer care. 

Our teams work alongside patients to offer access to leading treatments and clinical trials of the latest scientific advances. Our full spectrum of services includes screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, social and emotional support, and survivorship programs.

Together with patients, we’re using screening to find more cancers earlier, when treatment can help them live longer, higher quality lives.

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