Common Types of Cancer in Young adults

Cancers usually develop in older adults, the most common being cancer of the skin, lungs, colon, rectum, prostate (in men) and breast (in women). Besides genetic changes, two causes of cancer today are unhealthy lifestyles and environmental factors.

Cancers are uncommon in teenagers and young adults, and those that develop in this group often differ from those in adults. In this article, we have enlisted the different cancers more likely to occur in young adults.

Different types of Cancers in Young Adults

The different types of cancers in adults between 20 to 39 years are not unique to this group but are the most likely to occur.

Leukaemias

These blood cancers occur when the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells, making it difficult for red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues and white blood cells to fight infections. The symptoms of leukaemia are tiredness, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness and headaches.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and other biological therapies are used to treat this condition.

Lymphomas

Lymphomas are a type of blood cancer that affects lymph nodes. This cancer affects other parts of the lymphatic system, including the tonsils, spleen, and others. There are two types of lymphomas– Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. However, Hodgkin lymphoma is less common but is more likely to occur in people between 15 and 40.

Germ Cell Tumor

• Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor (Dysycrminoma yolk sac tumor) for females
• Testicular cancer

Men can develop testicular cancer at any age. However, it is most often diagnosed in younger men between 22 and 35. When not diagnosed in time, testicular cancer can spread to nearby or distant regions. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can treat testicular cancer with an excellent outlook. This cancer is highly curable.

Cancer of the brain & central nervous system

Brain & central nervous system cancers can occur at any age. Around 20% of the cases are diagnosed in people younger than 35. Over 100 brain tumour types have been identified; some are more common in young adults. Common symptoms of Brain & central nervous system cancers are persistent headaches, speech changes, changes in hearing or vision, difficulty in walking and balance, paralysis of hands and/or legs.

Other common types of cancer found in young adult are bone and soft tissue sarcoma.

In solid tumors, Breast cancer is increasingly seen in young adults due to dietary and lifestyle changes, treatment for infertility, etc…

Key Takeaway

Cancers in young adults, while rare, can still occur. It is essential for young adults to be aware of the potential symptoms of cancer and to see a doctor if they experience any concerning symptoms. Early detection and prompt cancer treatment are vital to improving patients’ chances of a successful outcome.

If you wish to know more about cancers in young adults or are experiencing any signs and symptoms that you fear are signs of cancer, visit our oncologists at one among the best cancer hospital in Chennai, Gleneagles Global Health City Perumbakkam. For appointments, call 044 44777000.

Gleneagles Global Health City at Perumbakkam, Chennai, is one of India’s most renowned multi-organ transplant centres. It’s also one of the top tertiary care multispeciality hospitals in the city, with path-breaking Liver, Neuro, Heart, Lung and Kidney procedures to its credit and legacy. The NABH, NABL and NABB-accredited hospital operates 200 beds. A modern CathLab, 13 operation theatres, and advanced imaging services (Trubeam STX, 16 Slice PET CT and 3 Tesla MRI) offer cutting-edge emergency and critical care management following internationally approved clinical protocols. For appointments, call 044 44777000.