City of Hope Orange County encourages younger adults to get cancer screenings, stay vigilant

City of Hope Orange County, the most advanced cancer research and treatment organization in the greater Orange County area, is raising much-needed awareness about the rise in cancer incidence rates in people between the ages of 18 and 49. The increase is being seen in Southern California and beyond.

Amid a national epidemic of early-onset cancer diagnoses, City of Hope Orange County released “The Younger Face of Cancer” report, which reveals that Orange County has the highest overall rate of cancer incidence in people under 50 compared to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. Long Beach and its surrounding communities are not immune from this trend.

Across the United States, early-onset cancer, which is defined as disease occurring between ages 18 and 49, is on the rise for cancers of the uterus, colon and rectum, breast, pancreas, stomach, kidney and renal pelvis and cervix.

“This is a startling paradigm shift,” says Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A, physician-in-chief, City of Hope Orange County. “We are seeing a deeply concerning rise in adult early-onset cancer. It is imperative to identify the reasons behind this trend, educate the public, advance prevention and early diagnosis and develop more effective treatments.”

A recent American Cancer Society report found that people under 50 were the only age group in the United States with an increase in overall cancer incidence from 1995 to 2020.

Lakewood resident Marcelo Vine and his family were hit hard when he had to face a kidney cancer diagnosis at age 49. The advanced treatments he received at City of Hope helped keep his dreams on course. “I told myself, “‘OK Marcelo, you are going to bear down on this and take your best shot. To do that, you need to find a professional that specializes in your type of cancer,’ Vine says. “Through City of Hope, I discovered that cancer science and research has led to major advances in treatment and that people with cancer have reasons for hope.”

Vine’s physician, Sassan Farjami, M.D., is a medical oncologist and hematologist practicing at City of Hope’s Long Beach Elm and Long Beach Worsham locations. “In our clinical practice, we are seeing a noticeable rise in the number of younger patients with cancer,” Farjami says. “However, with today’s advanced treatment options, there any many young adults with cancer who have found hope and reclaimed their lives. Regardless of your age, if you are experiencing symptoms or feel that something is wrong, speak with your physician promptly and get it checked.”

Reasons for the Increase

Almost 1 out of 3 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 have a family history of genetic predisposition, according to American Cancer Society. Other likely contributing factors include leading a sedentary lifestyle, consumption of highly processed foods, and being overweight or obese.

Environmental carcinogens pose additional risk: The government’s most recent Report on Carcinogens lists 256 substances and exposure circumstances known or reasonably anticipated to cause cancer in humans.

“There is evidence that some toxic exposures happen as early as in the womb or even in preconception germ cells. However, we have reason to believe changes to diet and lifestyle, especially in youth and early adulthood, could make a significant difference,” Kim says.

Researchers point to the importance of taking care of the gut’s microbiome—the internal mechanism responsible for the absorption of vitamins, regulation of the immune system and assistance with food digestion. Microbiome health can improve by not eating ultraprocessed foods (now 60 percent of most American adult diets), exercising to prevent obesity and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

“This is a concern to all of us at City of Hope and it’s a concern to me as a member of this community and as a mother and a grandmother,” said Annette M. Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County.  “It is counterintuitive to our goal of reducing cancer risk for each successive generation. As the region’s most advanced cancer treatment and research organization, City of Hope is as focused on preventing cancer as we are on treating and curing it. We know the best way to treat cancer is to prevent it in the first place.”

Walker says she is encouraged by changes to screening guidelines that have lowered the recommended age for colon cancer screenings from 50 to 45 for people of average risk and mammograms from 50 to 40.

Advice for Younger Adults

Know your family history. Being aware of the illnesses in your family tree makes it easier to assess cancer risk and take steps to reduce it.

Improve your diet. Eat more green, leafy vegetables and whole grains. Reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages and highly processed foods.

Get screened. Younger adults should advocate for getting tested if there is clear evidence of cancer risk or they feel something is wrong.

Get vaccinated. Beyond COVID vaccine updates (which help keep you generally healthy), there are vaccines for preventing cancer.

Start moving. Adults should get 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75-100 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly.

Don’t smoke. The bottom line is that quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do at any age to avoid cancer.

New Progress in Cancer Prevention

City of Hope believes the best way to stop cancer is to prevent it in the first place.  City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center — the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in Orange County — offers a range of screenings and cancer prevention services, including mammography, colonoscopy, and a comprehensive cancer risk assessment that focuses on family history and genetics.

Take charge of your health today and protect your hope for the future.

First in research. First in treatment. First in survival. When it comes to cancer, it’s Hope First. For more information, visit CityofHope.org/OC . To make an appointment at any of City of Hope’s Long Beach or Orange County locations, call 888-333-HOPE (4673).

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