Cancer has been seen as a disease of aging, but now it is frightening statistics that reveal the rise of early-onset cancers among millennials. Estimates indicate that about 1.9 million people are newly diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. every year. This number will increase to 2.3 million by 2030. More and more studies are indicating that lifestyle disorders, such as an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and disrupted sleep patterns, may be a cause for which younger populations are increasingly becoming vulnerable to malignancies, including rare and aggressive types of cancer.

Has COVID-19 Worsened the Cancer Epidemic?

It has not been new news that viruses can provoke or accelerate cancer development, but research is still ongoing to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on cancer risk. What has already been determined, however, is that the pandemic indirectly worsened the outcomes of cancer. Delayed screenings, postponed treatments, and risks of increased mortality have all been noted globally.

The Lancet Public Health published research that underlines these consequences, indicating that the pandemic slowed or even reversed the declining cancer mortality rates observed before SARS-CoV-2 emerged. Delays in surgeries and chemotherapy treatments significantly impacted survival rates. For example, every four-week delay in colon cancer surgery increases the risk of death by 6%, while similar delays in adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer elevate mortality risk by 13%.

How Lifestyle Choices Are Driving Early-Onset Cancers

Dr. Priya Tiwari, Head of Medical Oncology, says that lifestyle choices play a critical role in the increasing incidence of cancer among young adults.

Poor diet rich in processed foods, high sugar, and red meat. Obesity and metabolic disorders are so closely linked with various cancers says Dr. Tiwari, "A sedentary lifestyle further compounds this risk, creating insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, and chronic inflammation, factors that are more strongly associated with colorectal and breast cancers,"

Susceptibility is further aggravated by tobacco usage, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to carcinogens. Stress and sleep deprivation also disrupt the balance of hormones and compromise immune function, leading to an environment conducive to tumorigenesis.

The association between stress, inflammation, and cancer.

Millennials face unprecedented levels of stress, driven by work pressures, financial instability, and excessive screen time. Chronic stress triggers the sustained release of cortisol and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which fuel systemic inflammation.

"Prolonged inflammation weakens immune surveillance, making the body less capable of detecting and eliminating cancerous cells before they grow uncontrollably," explains Dr. Tiwari.

The circadian rhythms have been disrupted due to late-night working hours and increased exposure to blue light. Decreased melatonin production, which is a natural cancer-fighting hormone, is associated with a higher incidence of hormone-related cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.

Are Rare and Aggressive Cancers on the Rise Post-Pandemic?

There is a rise in rare and aggressive cancers, which have been reported by medical experts post-pandemic, and possible reasons for this increase may include delayed screenings and lingering inflammatory effects from COVID-19. Many patients avoided routine health check-ups at the height of the pandemic, and this has led to late-stage diagnoses of malignancies like sarcomas, glioblastomas, and neuroendocrine tumors.

In addition, there is a theory that SARS-CoV-2 might have a part in tumor progression due to cytokine storms induced by interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. This state of chronic inflammation might accelerate the growth of the tumor in predisposed individuals.

Should Millennials Start Cancer Screening Early?

Earlier, cancer screenings were typically recommended to the older people. However, with the increase of early-onset cancers among the young, screening guidelines have been revised for younger groups of populations. According to Dr. Tiwari, while universal screening is perhaps not required, screening should start earlier in cases of genetic predisposition or family cancer history.

Screening Requisiste includes:

1. Mammograms for women below 40 years of age who have a family history of breast cancers.

2. Colonoscopy for patients with a history of colorectal cancer in their family.

3. Pap smears and HPV tests for cervical cancer starting at age 21.

4. Skin exams for melanoma for those with increased sun exposure or family history.

How To Balance Lifestyle Choices And Reduce The Risk Of Developing Cancer?

Dr Priya emphasises, "A healthy lifestyle that includes nutrition, exercise, and stress management can prevent cancer in young adults. An antioxidant diet rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids decreases inflammation and protects against carcinogenesis. Exercise improves the regulation of insulin levels and inflammatory cytokines, thereby lowering risks of obesity-related cancers. Limiting tobacco and alcohol consumption as well as exposure to environmental toxins such as PAHs and endocrine disruptors can also reduce the risk of cancer further. Improved sleep hygiene, mindfulness for stress management, and other circadian rhythm-enhancing behaviors can also decrease the immunosuppressive effects of cortisol and therefore improve overall health."

Cancer prevention in young adults is only possible through preventive lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress control, and minimal exposure to known carcinogens will greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Here is a concise list of changes you should make now:

• Eat a Healthy Diet
• Increase antioxidant intake through foods such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens.
• Choose whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates.
• Use sources such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts to increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Stay Physically Active
• Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.
• Limit sedentary time for extended periods by incorporating moving activities during the day.
• Manage Stress in a Healthy Way
• Use mindfulness, which may include meditation and deep breathing, to manage the changes.
• Work-life boundaries can help alleviate chronic stress and prevent burnout.
• Improve Sleep Hygiene
• Reduce exposure to screens before bedtime to preserve melatonin.
• Develop sleep habits that allow for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
• Limit Exposure to Hazardous Substances
• Cut back on alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
• Limit exposure to environmental toxins like PAHs and endocrine disruptors.

Increasing incidence of cancer in the millennial age group demands the need for urgent awareness and lifestyle changes. There is certainly a genetic contribution to cancer; however, lifestyle determinants, including diet, exercise, and management of stress, can all affect the course of cancer.

"Preventive care, including routine screenings and healthier lifestyle choices, holds the key to reducing the risk of cancer for young adults," said Dr. Tiwari. "Making conscious adjustments today will help millennials safeguard their health for tomorrow."

Since cancer trends continue to evolve, embracing proactive health measures, and then keeping prevention at par with treatment, will be imperative in reducing future burden caused by this disease.

Dr. Priya Tiwari is Head of Medical Oncology at Artemis Hospitals in India.

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk scored a huge legal victory that restricts compounding pharmacies from marketing or selling cheaper, unapproved versions of its blockbuster weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. On Monday, US District Judge Mark Pittman denied the Outsourcing Facilities Association's bid for a preliminary injunction that would have prevented the FDA from taking action against its members for making copies of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.

What Do Compounding Pharmacies Do?

Compounding is a process where pharmacies mix ingredients of a drug to create a specialised version for specific patients. Say someone is allergic to a dye in a branded medication or needs a liquid form, and the main manufacturer only sells capsules. In that case, the patient can turn to a compounded version or the liquid form. Moreover, when drugs are in short supply, they can be compounded in larger quantities to help fill the gap.

Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to these compounding firms when they didn't have enough money to afford the costly weight loss treatments. The prices of both Wegovy and Ozempic rose exponentially, given the skyrocketing demand in the last two years. Notably, the Texas judge's verdict came in response to a February lawsuit from a compounding trade group against the FDA's determination that the active ingredient in those drugs, semaglutide, is no longer in shortage in the US. The decision also means the FDA can start targeting federally regulated 503B pharmacies, which manufacture compounded drugs in bulk with or without prescriptions, after May 22. The agency’s actions can include product seizures and warning letters to pharmacies.

How Do Semaglutides Work?

Semglutide is the synthetic version of GLP-1, a natural hormone produced in the intestines that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. Now, every time you eat, your body produces various hormones, including GLP-1. These are called post-nutrition hormones and help you absorb the energy you just consumed.

GLP-1 travels to your pancreas, prompting it to produce insulin. It also travels to the hypothalamus in your brain, which gives you the feeling of being full or satiated. Ozempic imitates this hormone, thereby silencing the food chatter in the brain. Interestingly, for some people this food chatter is really quiet ( people with low appetite), and for others, it is an outburst (people who generally binge eat.) So with Ozempic, silencing this self-talk in the brain, people tend to lose their appetite and eventually weight.

However, it is important to note that losing weight includes not just fat but muscle as well. Losing too much muscle can lead to reduced strength and a shorter life span. Notably, records show that most people who start taking them stop it at 12 weeks; therefore, it is important for some but not for others.

As we today observe the World Dance Day, let us look at what dancing can help us with. Of course, the physical benefits are there. When you move your body, do any sort of physical activities, you are working out in some form and it helps you stay fit. Like everyone have their fitness regime, your dance routine can also help you stay fit. In fact there are certain fitness regime, including Zumba that keeps you fit through dance.

However, the benefits go much beyond just physical fitness, dancing can actually help you live a stress free life.

TikTok Dances For Mental Health

In one of the latest trends in TikTok, people are bringing back pangs of nostalgia to the internet with their 90s dance on rapper Doechii's song 'Anxiety' from the "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air".

Why is this trend important? With big names also jumping in and dancing to the rhythms, including Wil Smith and Tatyana Ali, experts say that this is helping ordinary people normalize anxiety.

Certain anxiety disorders are marked by persistent, or excessive worry. It could be fear about situations. As per the Mayo Clinic, these moments of anxiety can include panic attacks and sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort

Research suggest that creative activities, including dancing can help relieve this stress. Dancing also engages multiple areas of the brain and demands full attention, which can then shift the focus from anxiety feelings. Supporting this idea, a 2021 study from UCLA Health found that conscious dance led to mental health improvements in a large majority of participants, particularly those dealing with anxiety, depression, or a history of trauma.

Dancing: A Complete Stress Buster

Dance involves full-body movement and coordination. This kind of physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins—natural chemicals in the brain that act as mood boosters and stress relievers. During a panic attack, when anxiety can feel overwhelming, these endorphins help calm the body and mind.

Engaging in dance also activates deep breathing patterns, especially in structured styles like Indian classical dance. This is important because panic attacks often lead to rapid, shallow breathing or hyperventilation. The breath control involved in dancing can help slow things down and regulate the body’s response.

In addition, dance improves body awareness. When someone is in the middle of a panic attack, they often feel disconnected or dissociated from reality. Focusing on movement—on the placement of your arms, the rhythm of your steps, the tension in your muscles—can bring attention back to the present. This grounding effect helps reduce the intensity of the attack and prevents it from escalating.

Dance as a Distraction and a Mindfulness Tool

Experts explain that one reason dance can be so effective is because it serves as a powerful distraction. Instead of spiraling into anxious thoughts, the brain is forced to concentrate on movement, rhythm, and coordination. This temporary shift in focus can prevent panic from taking over.

Dance also builds mindfulness, a practice often recommended in therapy. Whether it's through a slow classical routine or a high-energy freestyle session, dance requires attention to the now. The combination of mental focus and physical release gives the body a chance to reset and relax.

Last year in June, when a woman collapsed on an escalator at Buffalo's airport, and Phil Clough, who is an experienced emergency medical responder knew exactly what to do. He and a bystander, as the Washington Post reported, quickly laid the woman flat on her back. They checked her pulse and breath. Her pulse was faint and her breathing was shallow and erratic. A few moments later, she stopped breathing altogether.

Realizing she might be experiencing a cardiac arrest, Clough immediately began performing chest compressions. He pressed hard and fast on the center of her chest while other bystanders called 911 and fetched an automated external defibrillator (AED). Within seconds of receiving a shock from the AED, the woman opened her eyes. By the time the airport rescue team arrived, just minutes later, she was conscious and able to speak.

Clough’s quick actions saved the woman’s life, but he credits his preparedness to a life-changing incident several years earlier. After witnessing a woman collapse at his gym and feeling helpless, he took a college course to become certified as an emergency medical responder. This training allowed him to respond with confidence when faced with a life-or-death situation.

The Challenge of Cardiac Arrest

The woman in Buffalo was fortunate that bystanders knew how to respond. Unfortunately, most people who experience cardiac arrest do not receive immediate help.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the U.S. annually. Tragically, 90% of these individuals do not survive, often because help arrives too late. For each minute that passes without intervention, a person’s chances of survival decrease by 10%. However, with prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an AED shock if necessary, survival rates can double or even triple.

Despite the importance of swift intervention, fewer than half of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting receive immediate assistance. This lack of action is often due to a lack of training and preparedness. Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, but with public access to AEDs and trained bystanders, survival rates could improve dramatically.

The Role of AEDs in Saving Lives

A crucial part of treating cardiac arrest is the use of an AED, a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart. The AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and guides the user through the steps to apply a shock if needed. Although many states require AEDs to be available in public places such as airports and malls, they are not always easy to find. A study spanning 2019 to 2022 revealed that in public settings, AEDs were used only 7% of the time, and CPR was performed 42% of the time after a cardiac arrest incident.

To address this issue, PulsePoint, a nonprofit organization, has registered 185,000 AEDs in 5,400 U.S. communities, reports the Washington Post. The group’s goal is to help communities build their AED registries and integrate them with local 911 services. In addition, PulsePoint’s mobile app alerts trained CPR responders about nearby cardiac arrests and identifies the closest AEDs, enhancing the chances of saving a life.

Overcoming Barriers to Bystander Intervention

While CPR and AED knowledge can save lives, many people hesitate to intervene during an emergency due to fear of making a mistake, lacking confidence, or worrying about legal liability. However, all 50 states and Washington, D.C. have “Good Samaritan” laws that protect individuals from legal consequences when they provide help in a medical emergency.

Lack of CPR training is another significant barrier. A study found that only 18% of people had received CPR training within the last two years, which is crucial for skill retention. Although many people have received CPR training at some point in their lives, the skills may be outdated or forgotten.

To address this, some states have made CPR training mandatory for high school graduation, and countries like Denmark and Norway have implemented similar requirements. In the U.S., CPR courses are widely available online and in-person, and many take just a few hours to complete. These courses teach individuals the basics of CPR, which involves performing chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute and a depth of at least two inches.