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The rise of cancer in people 50 and under and what to do to prevent it

A woman getting screened for breast cancer with her doctor
OSF Healthcare
A woman getting screened for breast cancer with her doctor

Cancer diagnosis's are on the rise in people 50 and under.

There are many reasons for the spike. Lifestyle factors like poor diets and obesity starting early in life and adulthood are likely to increase a persons rise of cancer.

This rise isn't limited to one type of cancer either. Around the world there has been a significant increase of cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, liver, and pancreas since 1990.

Deborah Oyelowo is a family nurse practitioner who specializes in hematology/oncology for OSF healthcare.

Oyelowo says that the rise is from a lack of screenings, both personal and with providers.

She says that younger people don't know what to look for and by the time they show symptoms the cancer has reached a progressive stage.

Oyelowo says that young people need to invest in their health.

"Everyone needs to be an advocate for themselves," she said. "I realize doctors are responsible for knowing things, but they can only know things you tell them. They cannot see through you. You need to come, talk, communicate and have an established relationship with your providers.”

She also says it's important that people know their families medical history and to establish with a healthcare provider if you don't already have one.

Prevention is the best medicine and it starts with investing in your health and making lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of cancer.

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