Reducing Cancer Risk: Health Screenings in Your 20s

Doria, your concern about the increasing incidence of cancer among people your age is valid and shared by many. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. 
 
While it's true that the death rate from cancer in the U.S. has dropped by 33% since 1991 due to improved screening techniques, advanced treatments, and decreased smoking rates, some types of cancer show a concerning uptick in younger adults. A Nature Briefing article reports increases in uterine cancer and early-onset breast cancer cases among those under 50 years old since the mid-90s. Other cancers, such as oral, esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreas, and colorectal, have also become more prevalent. 
 
What might be driving this rise? Research from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center published in Pharmaceutical Research suggests only 5%–10% of these cases are due solely to inherited genetic factors; over 90% come from combinations of environmental exposures and lifestyle choices. 
 
The obesity epidemic is highlighted as one major factor contributing to this increase, with around 30%–35% of all cancer deaths linked back to diet (e.g., fast food consumption, red meat intake). Excess alcohol use combined with exposure to environmental pollutants can also raise risks, including infection susceptibility brought on by stress or physical inertia. 
 
Despite these statistics suggesting Americans hold a roughly forty percent chance of developing cancer at some point during their lives, there are ways you can protect yourself significantly through simple changes like improving nutrition, avoiding overeating, and increasing physical activity levels, among others, like managing stress effectively, having strong social support networks, maintaining regular sleep patterns, etcetera, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center recommendations. 
 
To learn more about how you can pursue healthier living, check out LongevityPlaybook.com’s free newsletter or the iHerb.com blog for tips on boosting immune function. 
 
Kelly T., even when young, it's important to stay on top of your health, and there are several medical checkups that can help you do just that. 
 
Annual physicals and gynecological exams can reveal a broad spectrum of potential issues early on. Blood tests, for instance, can establish baseline readings for LDL cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure—all crucial indicators of lurking health problems. 
 
Being aware of your weight is important too, since maintaining a healthy weight reduces risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease or sexual dysfunction. Vaccination updates should not be overlooked either; some vaccines, like the HPV vaccine, protect against cervical and throat cancers. 
 
Gynecologists also screen for breast and cervical cancers while offering testing for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C if required. 
 
Don't forget about dental hygiene; regular teeth cleanings twice a year, along with oral exams, will keep your mouth in good shape too! 
 
Eye examinations once per decade during your twenties and thirties should suffice for most people's needs unless otherwise advised by their healthcare provider, given that individual circumstances may vary widely from person-to-person depending upon various factors including family history, genetic predisposition, lifestyle habits, etcetera. 
 
Mental health screenings however remain somewhat elusive due lack standardized procedures unlike physical ailments which often have straightforward diagnostic tools available nonetheless increasing rates depression anxiety among younger adults warrant attention intervention regardless absence conventional methods detection diagnosis treatment thus it falls upon individuals seek out professional assistance when needed American Psychological Association provides valuable resource finding local therapists via its online Psychologist Locator service additionally exploring power social connections purposeful living could significantly enhance one's mood wellbeing further information this topic visit LongevityPlaybook.com iHerb.com/blog/mental-health.