By News18
Cancer is no longer just a disease of old age. In recent years, oncologists across India and globally have noted a steady and unsettling rise in cancer diagnoses among individuals under the age of 40. What was once considered rare is now a growing reality, and experts are urging immediate attention.
鈥淲e are seeing an undeniable rise in cancers among people under 40, and this trend is deeply concerning,鈥 says Dr. Aditya Sarin, Associate Consultant, Oncology, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi.
While genetics still play a role, Dr. Sarin highlights several lifestyle and environmental triggers fueling this early onset. Sedentary habits, chronic stress, increased exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, rising pollution levels, and highly processed diets have all become part of the modern lifestyle and they鈥檙e contributing to the growing cancer burden among the young.
What makes this issue even more dangerous is delayed detection. Symptoms in younger individuals are often overlooked, dismissed as minor issues, or misdiagnosed. From persistent fatigue and unexplained weight loss to irregular bleeding and gastrointestinal issues, early warning signs often go unheeded.
鈥淭here鈥檚 an urgent need to raise awareness and reconsider our screening protocols to include younger populations,鈥 stresses Dr. Sarin. 鈥淓arly intervention can save lives.鈥
Today, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and even blood cancers are appearing more frequently in younger age groups. Doctors are advocating for greater public health education, proactive symptom recognition, and preventive screening even for those under 40 鈥 especially if there鈥檚 a family history or high-risk lifestyle.
The rising incidence is not just a statistic, it鈥檚 a call to action. Rewriting our health narratives, being vigilant about symptoms, and pushing for early, proactive care can shift the tide in favor of survival and long-term wellness for a younger generation.