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Jan 20, 2025

What Can Women Do To Lower Their Risk Of Cancer After Study Finds They Are More Prone Than Men

Young Women And Cancer: Study Finds They’re 82 Percent More At Risk Than Men—Here’s Why (Image Credits: iStock)

The incidence of cancer among young women is increasing at a worrying pace. According to the American Cancer Society, women under 50 are now 82 per cent more likely to develop cancer compared to men in the same age group. This startling statistic has risen from 51 per cent higher in 2002 to the current figure in 2021, showing a sharp and concerning upward trend.
One of the leading drivers of this surge is the rise in invasive breast cancer. Data reveals a 1 per cent annual increase in invasive breast cancer cases from 2012 to 2021, with women under 50 experiencing a 1.4 per cent yearly rise. The study points to several risk factors contributing to this trend, including excess body weight, delayed childbirth, and fewer children.

Alarming Cancer Trends Among Women

Other cancers also show increasing incidence and mortality rates, particularly among women. Uterine cancer, for instance, has seen an alarming rise in mortality, described as "one of the few cancers with increasing death rates." Between 2013 and 2022, uterine cancer death rates climbed by 1.5 per cent annually.
Similarly, colorectal cancer among people under 50 has surged by 2.4 per cent per year, with mortality rates increasing by 1 per cent annually. Pancreatic cancer diagnoses have risen steadily by 1 per cent annually since the mid-1990s, with mortality rates also increasing, albeit at a slower pace.
"These troubling trends are more pronounced among women," said Rebecca L. Siegel, an epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report, in an interview with The New York Times.

Broader Factors Behind the Cancer Surge

Experts suggest that while some cancers are increasing in men as well, the rise is disproportionately higher among women. "The trend is significant and points to broader factors beyond individual or population genetics," noted Neil Iyengar, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Environmental factors and lifestyle habits are believed to play a critical role in the rising cancer rates. Unhealthy eating, lack of sleep, smoking or vaping, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins are key contributors.
Rebecca Siegel emphasized that many individuals underestimate their ability to influence their cancer risk. "We have the power to make a difference. The most crucial step is not smoking," she said.

How to Lower Your Cancer Risk

Reducing cancer risk begins with adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking preventive measures. Here are some strategies to minimize the risk:
  1. Avoid Tobacco: Refrain from smoking or vaping, as tobacco is one of the leading causes of cancer.
  2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is linked to several cancers, including breast and uterine cancer. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help manage weight effectively.
  3. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed foods and red meat.
  4. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers. Keep consumption moderate or avoid it altogether.
  5. Prioritize Regular Check-Ups: Routine screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers can aid in early detection and better outcomes.
  6. Stay Physically Active: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly to boost overall health.
  7. Protect Against Environmental Toxins: Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, including those in household products and workplace settings.
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