Many young women in their 20s and 30s think they don’t need to worry about serious diseases like cancer. This time in life is usually about building careers, making connections, and having fun. However, there is a concerning trend: more young women are being diagnosed with cancer, and some are even under 40 or 50.
According to a 2025 report by the American Cancer Society, the number of cancer diagnoses in young women is rising. In 2022, for every young woman diagnosed, about 1.5 young men were diagnosed. Now, the number is closer to 1.8 women for every man.
To understand why this is happening, Dr. Madhavi Nair, a Consultant – Surgical Oncologist at Manipal Hospital. She explained five main reasons for the increase in cancer cases among young women:
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Reasons Why Cancer is Rising Among Young Women
- Genetics: Some people have inherited genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, that increase their risk for certain cancers. These genes are passed down from parents to children, meaning more women are being born with these risks.
- Unknown Causes: Sometimes doctors can’t figure out exactly what caused the cancer. These are called idiopathic cancers.
- Lifestyle Habits: Poor eating habits, not exercising enough, drinking alcohol, smoking, constant stress, and avoiding check-ups can all increase cancer risk.
- Environmental Factors: Living in polluted cities and sitting at desks for long hours without moving much can harm your health over time.
- Hormonal Changes: Delaying pregnancy and using hormonal treatments often can change hormone levels in ways that increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
What Should Young Women Watch Out For?
Many young women think cancer is a problem for older people and ignore early signs. But this attitude can be dangerous. Dr. Nair warns that some women notice symptoms, like lumps, but don’t seek help because they think they’re too young. It’s only when the problem gets worse that they go to the doctor.
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Here are some warning signs that should not be ignored:
- Unexplained bleeding or discharge
- New or growing lumps, especially in the breast
- Sores that don’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 ongoing tiredness
How to Prevent Cancer?
To help change this worrying trend, young women need to talk more openly about their health and cancer. Many avoid talking about symptoms because they’re confused, ashamed, or don’t know much about it.
Dr. Nair advises young women to take care of their health by:
- Leading a balanced lifestyle
- Staying physically active
- Eating healthy, high-fiber foods
- Paying attention to changes in their bodies
- Seeing a doctor if anything feels unusual
While the rise in cancer cases among younger women is alarming, it is not something we can’t change. With better awareness, regular check-ups, and healthier living, we can make a difference. As Dr. Nair says, early detection and action are the best ways to improve outcomes.
