10-05-2025
Figuring out what could be causing more cancer in younger adults
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Experts are working hard to figure out what is driving a growing trend of early onset cancers, those in people under 50.
'We just don't know what is causing this concerning increase in early onset cancers. There are steps you can take and things you can cut out of your life to potentially lower your risk,' explains Yale Early Onset Cancer Program Co-Founder Dr. Nancy Borstelmann.'It's been alarming because it's been showing up across a number of cancer populations.'
Experts on what to watch out for with growing cancer cases in younger people
The questions experts are desperately trying to answer is why this is occurring.
'The why is a critical question. It's being researched by many across the nation and globe,' explains Dr. says that research includes digging into factors like genetics, environmental and lifestyle.'We know there are a lot of toxins, but how much is this increasing your risk of getting breast cancer? Doing the best you can at using more naturally beauty products, whole foods,' says young breast cancer survivor Meagan Schroder of is reevaluating her lifestyle choices after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 after the birth of her son.'I'm more aware now. I definitely was like 50% I paid attention to the fruits and vegetables. But cosmetics and beauty products. I didnt really pay attention to what are the chemicals they're putting in fragrances or deoderant, i just used whichever one works,' explains you're unsure what's in your beauty products and foods there are a number of free apps that can help. Just scan your item for a breakdown of of the biggest risk factors are tobacco, obesity and drinking. Just this year the U.S. Surgeon General issued a 22-page advisory warning of a link between alcohol use and to that advisory more than 741-thousand cancer cases worldwide were attributed to alcohol conspumption in 2020.
Doctor Borstelmann says it's important to take a look at your lifestyle as a whole…And remember you can do everything right and still face a devastating diagnosis…'Sometimes things go ary even in ways you dont expect. Could be someone whos lived a very healthy, done all the right things so to speak,' says Dr. Borstelmann.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
