Cancer is a word that nobody desires to hear or experience in their life. It can be stressful but unfortunately, relatable to our daily lives. Even at a young age, when we are busy pursuing our studies or building our careers, cancer can make its presence known in anyone's body, robbing them of their youthful energy and vibrancy.
Individuals between the ages of 15 and 39 are categorized as young adults. Although rare, various types of cancers can affect this age group. These cancers differ in several ways from those that affect children and older adults. They may have distinct biology and tumor genetics, behave differently, and respond differently to treatment.
Below is a list of the most common types of cancers in young adults -
- Brain and central nervous system tumors - 20% cases occur before age 35.
- Testicular cancer - It starts in the germ cells.
- Ovarian cancer - Ovarian cancer occurs with abnormal cell growth in the ovary.
- Leukemia - This is the cancer of blood and bone marrow.
- Thyroid cancer - It starts in the thyroid gland.
- Lymphoma - Lymphomas develop in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Melanoma - It’s a type of skin cancer.
- Breast cancer - Breast cancer is rare in women under the age of 30, but it becomes more common as they age.
- Cervical cancer - It starts in the cervix.
- Sarcoma - It starts in the connective tissues like muscle, bone, and fat tissues.
- Colorectal cancer - It starts in the colon or rectum.
References:
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/aya
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cancer-in-young-adults/cancers-in-young-adults.html
- https://www.roswellpark.org/young-adult-cancer/cancers-young-adults
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cancer-in-young-adults/key-statistics.html
- https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2023/02/20/8-common-cancers-in-young-adults
- https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/young-adults-and-teenagers/being-young-adult-or-teen-with-cancer
