Hey Dads, it’s time to have that serious sit-down—no, it’s not about finances or sex—it’s about something much more crucial: cancer screening. Being a dad is tough and it’s easy to place our health on the back burner, prioritizing everyone and everything else. However, ensuring we’re around to watch our kids grow and thrive means we have to keep our health in check, and getting screened for cancer is paramount. You kinda just have to accept it as part of being a dad. It’s much easier if you catch it early, and if you don’t you might be saying an early goodbye to your kids.
Cancer risk typically escalates with age, but it’s crucial to acknowledge that it can manifest at any stage of life. The common ones include colon cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and skin cancer. A balanced mix of awareness, lifestyle choices, and regular screenings can be a game-changer in early detection and successful management of these cancers.
Approximately 5% of all cancer cases are diagnosed in young adults between 20 to 39 years old, becoming the fourth predominant cause of death within this demographic.
Regular cancer screenings play a pivotal role in early cancer detection. Typically, these screenings become routine later in life, usually initiating around the age of 40. However, an exception exists for cervical cancer screenings, recommended by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to begin in one’s 20s and 30s.
If you’re a young adult, individual risk factors may necessitate considering cancer screenings at an earlier age. Distinct cancers prevail among young adults. For instance, the National Cancer Institute indicates lymphomas and thyroid cancer as prevalent between ages 15 to 24, while individuals aged 25 to 39 often encounter breast and thyroid cancers.
Most Prevalent Cancers in Young Adults
Based on ACS’s data, the following cancers are quite common among individuals aged 20 to 39. Unfortunately, many of these lack early detection methods, making proactive screenings vital. Some of these apply to your girl, so make sure she gets screened, too. Y’all need each other, right?
- Breast Cancer:
- Particularly uncommon before 30, the frequency of breast cancer increases with age. Despite this, around 12,150 cases are annually reported in women below 40. If your girls is at high risk for breast cancer she should begin getting mammograms 10 years earlier than recommended for the general population, usually around age 30.
- Lymphomas:
- These affect the lymphatic system and are categorized into Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas. Young adults predominantly face Hodgkin lymphoma, which also resurfaces after 55.
- Melanoma:
- This aggressive skin cancer is frequently diagnosed in people under 30 and is especially prevalent among women with a familial history of melanoma.
- Sarcomas:
- These cancers affect muscles, connective tissues, and bones and can develop in teenagers and young adults.
- Cervical and Ovarian Cancer:
- While usually diagnosed in midlife, certain types can occur in younger women.
- Thyroid Cancer:
- This cancer often develops at a younger age compared to other adult cancers.
- Testicular Cancer:
- Predominantly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults, especially between ages 20 to 34.
- Colorectal Cancer:
- Typically found in older adults but can occur in young adults with genetic predispositions.
- Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors:
- These are more likely to occur in different areas of the brain and at different life stages.
Cancer Screenings for Young Adults
Cancer screenings are preventive measures to identify cancer in its nascent stages, often before the manifestation of symptoms. Early detection amplifies the possibility of successful treatment.
The ACS formulates its cancer screening advisories based on the comparative advantages and downsides of diverse methods. While general screenings aren’t routinely recommended for men and average-risk women in their 20s and 30s, exceptions exist, mainly due to individual risk factors, and symptoms.
Specific Screenings Include:
- Breast Cancer Screening:
- Women between 50 and 74 should undergo mammography biennially.
- Those with familial history should consider screenings starting at 40.
- Cervical Cancer Screening:
- Recommended for everyone with a cervix in their 20s and 30s, even if vaccinated against HPV.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening:
- Generally commences at 45 and is essential for those with a high risk due to family or genetic history.
- Lung Cancer Screening:
- The USPSTF recommends annual screenings for heavy smokers or those who currently smoke.
Importance of Early Screenings
Early detection of any cancer significantly boosts survival rates, making it imperative to discuss health histories and potential risk factors with your doctor.
Reasons for Early Screenings:
- Previous Cancer Diagnosis:
- A personal history of cancer may necessitate early and frequent screenings.
- Family Cancer History:
- Understanding your family’s cancer history is crucial for determining your screening needs.
- Genetic Risk Factors:
- Genetic testing can unveil your predisposition to certain cancers.
- Previous Radiation Treatment:
- If you’ve undergone radiation treatment, early screenings become paramount.
- Other Specific Risk Factors:
- These could include conditions like colon polyps which can elevate colorectal cancer risk.
Knowing and sharing your personal and familial medical histories are crucial. Engage in conversations with your family about their medical histories as this information is invaluable for your physician to evaluate your health and risks accurately and recommend appropriate screenings and tests.
Lifetime Risk of Developing or Dying From Cancer
The likelihood of encountering or succumbing to cancer in one’s lifetime denotes the probability an individual holds, throughout their entire life (from birth to demise), of receiving a cancer diagnosis or of passing away due to cancer. These estimations of risk serve as one method to gauge the prevalence of cancer within the United States.
The tables provided below (from the ACS–they deserve the credit for this one) present the lifetime probabilities of being diagnosed with, and succumbing to, specific types of cancer for both males and females residing in the United States. This information is sourced from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. It utilizes incidence and mortality data collected in the US between the years 2017 and 2019, representing the latest available data.
The probability is articulated in both percentage terms and as ratios.
To illustrate, the probability that a male will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in his lifetime is 1.7%. This implies that he has approximately 1 in 59 odds of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (100/1.7 = 59). To rephrase, 1 in every 59 males residing in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at some point in his life. These statistics represent average probabilities for the general population of the US. Depending on your individual risk factors for each cancer type, your risk may be either higher or lower than these average values.
Males:
| Cancer Type | Risk of Developing | Risk (1 in) | Risk of Dying From | Risk (1 in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any cancer | 40.9% | 2 | 20.2% | 5 |
| Bladder | 3.86% | 28 | 0.9% | 111 |
| Brain and nervous system | 0.7% | 147 | 0.5% | 189 |
| Breast | 0.1% | 727 | <0.1% | 3,312 |
| Colon and rectum | 4.3% | 23 | 1.7% | 578 |
| Esophagus | 0.8% | 128 | 0.7% | 138 |
| Hodgkin lymphoma | 0.2% | 435 | <0.1% | 2,899 |
| Kidney and renal pelvis | 2.3% | 44 | 0.6% | 177 |
| Larynx (voice box) | 0.5% | 200 | 0.2% | 570 |
| Leukemia | 1.8% | 55 | 0.9% | 108 |
| Liver and bile duct | 1.5% | 66 | 1.0% | 96 |
| Lung and bronchus | 6.2% | 16 | 4.7% | 21 |
| Melanoma of the skin* | 3.5% | 28 | 0.4% | 240 |
| Multiple myeloma | 0.9% | 106 | 0.5% | 219 |
| Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | 2.3% | 43 | 0.8% | 128 |
| Oral cavity and pharynx | 1.7% | 60 | 0.4% | 240 |
| Pancreas | 1.7% | 59 | 1.4% | 71 |
| Prostate | 12.6% | 8 | 2.4% | 41 |
| Stomach | 1.0% | 102 | 0.4% | 246 |
| Testicles | 0.4% | 246 | <0.1% | 4,966 |
| Thyroid | 0.6% | 155 | 0.1% | 1,706 |
Females:
| Cancer Type | Risk of Developing | Risk (1 in) | Risk of Dying From | Risk (1 in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any cancer | 39.1% | 3 | 17.7% | 6 |
| Bladder | 1.1% | 91 | 0.3% | 294 |
| Brain and nervous system | 0.5% | 188 | 0.4% | 241 |
| Breast | 12.9% | 8 | 2.5% | 39 |
| Cervix | 0.7% | 153 | 0.2% | 466 |
| Colon and rectum | 3.9% | 26 | 1.6% | 63 |
| Esophagus | 0.2% | 439 | 0.2% | 524 |
| Hodgkin lymphoma | 0.2% | 532 | <0.1% | 3,819 |
| Kidney and renal pelvis | 1.3% | 75 | 0.3% | 316 |
| Larynx (voice box) | 0.1% | 852 | <0.1% | 2,346 |
| Leukemia | 1.3% | 78 | 0.7% | 152 |
| Liver and bile duct | 0.7% | 146 | 0.6% | 181 |
| Lung and bronchus | 5.8% | 17 | 4.0% | 25 |
| Melanoma of the skin* | 2.4% | 41 | 0.2% | 465 |
| Multiple myeloma | 0.7% | 134 | 0.4% | 275 |
| Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | 1.9% | 53 | 0.6% | 167 |
| Oral cavity and pharynx | 0.7% | 141 | 0.2% | 537 |
| Ovary | 1.1% | 88 | 0.8% | 123 |
| Pancreas | 1.6% | 61 | 1.4% | 73 |
| Stomach | 0.6% | 157 | 0.3% | 359 |
| Thyroid | 1.7% | 59 | 0.1% | 1,440 |
| Uterus | 3.1% | 33 | 0.7% | 152 |
* The risk numbers for melanoma are for non-Hispanic White individuals. The risk among people of other races/ethnicities is likely to be lower.
Common Cancer Questions
The abundance of conjectures and misbeliefs about cancer can create confusion, making it challenging for individuals to discern factual information. Presented here are clarifications to some inquiries individuals often make regarding cancer’s origins. To comprehend more about the inception and proliferation of cancer, refer to “What Is Cancer?” For any unresolved queries, kindly connect with our Cancer Information Specialists at 1-800-227-2345.
Q: What defines a risk factor?
A: A risk factor is defined as a condition or behavior that increases the likelihood of acquiring a disease. Every type of cancer has its unique risk factors. Having risk factors doesn’t ensure that one will contract cancer, and if someone with risk factors is diagnosed with cancer, it’s impossible to definitively conclude that the risk factor caused the cancer. Some risk factors like age or genetic mutations are unchangeable, but others, such as tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, sun exposure, excessive weight, inactivity, alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet can be managed. Additionally, exposure to certain viruses, radiation, or chemicals are also risk factors.
Q: Do injuries induce cancer?
A: No, injuries such as falls, bruises, or fractures do not cause cancer. It might happen that an individual is diagnosed with cancer when seeking treatment for an injury, but the injury did not cause the cancer—it was already present.
Q: Is self-induction of cancer possible?
A: No, an individual’s personality traits and emotional states cannot cause cancer nor influence its outcome. Research confirms that there is no link between personality types or mental attitudes and the occurrence or progression of cancer.
Q: Can stress be a catalyst for cancer?
A: While many studies have been conducted to find a link between stress, attitude, personality, and cancer, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that a person’s stress level can directly affect their risk of developing cancer. Stress does have an effect on the immune system, but so do many other factors.
Q: Does sugar accelerate cancer growth?
A: There is no established evidence to suggest that sugar intake increases the risk of developing, spreading, or worsening cancer. However, consuming high levels of sugar can contribute to excessive calorie intake and can lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for cancer.
Q: Is cancer transmissible?
A: No, cancer is not contagious. There is no risk of contracting cancer through being around or touching someone with cancer. When people with cancer are isolated, it is crucial to offer visits and support. Refer to “Is Cancer Contagious?” for more information.
Q: Is cancer hereditary?
A: In some cases, specific types of cancer may be prevalent in some families due to shared behaviors or exposures that increase cancer risk, such as smoking, or due to shared risk factors like obesity. In some instances, the presence of an abnormal gene, which can lead to cancer, is inherited from one generation to the next. This is often referred to as “inherited cancer,” but it is the abnormal gene that is inherited, not the cancer itself.
So Just Get It Checked
By prioritizing our health and undergoing regular cancer screenings, we are also instilling a legacy of health awareness and proactive healthcare management in our children. It’s about setting an example, showing them the importance of regular checkups and early detection, thereby empowering them to take control of their health as they grow older.
So, dads, it’s time to rise above the apprehension, embrace the discomfort, and make cancer screening a non-negotiable aspect of our lives. It’s about an unwavering resolve to be there for every soccer game, every dance recital, every graduation, and every milestone in our children’s lives. It’s about fortifying our role as fathers, ensuring we are the resilient, enduring presence our children need us to be.
