Many people see their 20s and 30s as a time to build careers, form relationships, travel, and not worry about serious illnesses like cancer. However, there’s a growing and troubling trend: cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, often before they reach 40 or 50, and sometimes even earlier.
According to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 Facts and Figures report, the spike is especially notable among young women. While in 2022 there were about 1.5 young women diagnosed with cancer for every young man, that ratio has now risen to nearly 1.8.
To understand what’s driving this concerning shift, we spoke with Dr Madhavi Nair, Consultant – Surgical Oncologist at Manipal Hospital, Varthur and Sarjapur Road, who explained the reasons behind the rising cancer cases in younger women.
5 Reasons Why Cancer Is Rising Among Young Women
A growing number of young women are facing cancer diagnoses, and while this trend is deeply concerning, it’s not without explanation. Dr Nair told us that several overlapping factors may be behind the increase:
- Genetics: Dr Nair told us that more people with inherited mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are surviving and having children, passing these genes on to the next generation.
- Unknown triggers: In some cases, doctors can’t trace a clear reason, these are referred to as idiopathic cancers.
- Lifestyle habits: A rise in poor dietary choices, sedentary routines, alcohol and tobacco use, ongoing stress, and delayed medical check-ups all contribute to higher cancer risk.
- Environmental pressures: Living in polluted, urban areas and working desk-bound jobs with little physical movement have a major impact on overall health.
- Hormonal imbalances: Dr Nair adds that changes in reproductive patterns, such as late pregnancies and frequent use of hormonal treatments, may be shifting hormone levels in ways that increase the chancesof certain cancers.
What Should Young Women Keep an Eye On?
Many young women believe cancer is a concern for later in life and dismiss early symptoms. But this mindset can be risky. Dr Nair shares, “Some of my patients noticed a lump months ago but ignored it, thinking they were too young to worry. It’s only when the problem worsened that they came in.”
Here are the red flags you shouldn’t ignore, as per Dr Nair:
- Unexplained bleeding or discharge
- New or growing lumps, especially in the breast
- Sores that won’t heal
- Changes in bowel or urinary habits
- Persistent coughing or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or frequent indigestion
- Changes in the appearance of moles or warts
- Sudden weight loss or chronic tiredness
How To Prevent Getting Cancer?
To shift the trend, open discussions about cancer and health must become more common especially among young women. Many still hesitate to talk about their symptoms due to confusion, stigma, or lack of knowledge.
Dr Nair strongly advises women to prioritise preventive health by:
- Choosing a balanced lifestyle
- Staying physically active
- Eat wholesome, high-fibre meals
- Pay attention to changes in your body
- Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if anything feels off
The spike in cancer diagnoses among younger women is unsettling but not irreversible. With increased awareness, screenings, and mindful living, we can make a difference. As Dr Nair emphasises, early detection and action are key to changing outcomes.
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
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