Young women almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer as young men, new report says | CNN
A new report from the American Cancer Society has revealed a startling trend: women under 50 are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer as men in the same age group. Released on Thursday, January 16, 2025, the report highlights a growing disparity in cancer cases, driven by rising diagnoses of breast and thyroid cancers among young women.
Charmella Roark, a 47-year-old teacher from New Jersey, and her younger sister, Kiki, are emblematic of this troubling shift. Kiki, a mother of three, was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer in 2018 at just 37 years old. Four years later, Charmella received the same devastating news. Their story reflects a broader pattern in which younger women are increasingly facing cancer diagnoses once associated with older populations.
The report indicates that middle-aged women now have a slightly higher cancer risk than their male peers, with breast and thyroid cancers accounting for nearly half of all cases among women under 50. Rebecca Siegel, lead author of the report, noted that the trend is significant and requires urgent attention.
Kiki recalls the difficulty of advocating for her health when she first experienced symptoms. Despite persistent pain in her armpit and breast, her requests for a mammogram were dismissed by three doctors, who deemed it unnecessary for her age. Months later, after insisting on the test, she was diagnosed with early-stage cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and hormone therapy, which ultimately saved her life.
Charmella’s diagnosis came in 2022, during a routine mammogram inspired by her sister’s experience. Her treatment included chemotherapy and radiation, and today, both sisters are cancer-free. However, they remain committed to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and advocating for equitable access to healthcare.
Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer for the American Cancer Society, emphasized the need to understand why cancer cases are increasing among younger women. While age remains the most significant risk factor, other contributors such as lifestyle changes, obesity, alcohol consumption, and environmental exposures may play a role.
The report also sheds light on disparities in cancer outcomes. Black women in the U.S. have a 41% higher mortality rate from breast cancer than White women, despite a slightly lower incidence rate. Similar disparities exist for other cancers, including prostate and stomach cancers among Black individuals and cervical cancer among Native Americans. Geographic differences further complicate the picture, with states like West Virginia and Kentucky experiencing significantly higher cancer mortality rates than states such as Utah and Hawaii.
Despite the challenges, there is good news. The U.S. cancer death rate has fallen by 34% since 1991, averting nearly 4.5 million deaths. Advances in early detection, treatment, and public health measures, such as reduced smoking rates, have contributed to this decline.
Experts stress that continued research is essential to address the unique risks faced by younger populations. Dr. Neil Iyengar, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, called for a comprehensive approach to prevention that considers individual biology, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
The Roark sisters hope their story inspires others to prioritize health and advocate for themselves. Kiki advises women to trust their instincts and push for necessary screenings, even when met with resistance.
The American Cancer Society projects over 2 million new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. this year, with more than 618,000 deaths. As cancer incidence rises among younger adults, the medical community must adapt to address this evolving landscape. For now, early detection and persistent advocacy remain the best defenses against this growing threat.
#CancerAwareness #HealthMatters #WomenHealth #EarlyDetection #CancerResearch
