For years, cancer has largely been seen as a disease of aging. But that narrative is shifting, and not in a good way. More young adults—some as young as 29 or 30—are walking into oncology clinics with advanced-stage cancers that could have been caught earlier if only they had paid attention to what seemed like everyday fatigue, body aches, or stress.

According to recent data, early-onset cancers—those diagnosed between ages 18 and 49—are on the rise in the United States. A new analysis points to increasing rates of 14 different cancers in this age group, most notably breast, colorectal, kidney, and uterine cancers.

Dr. Ang Peng Tiam, Medical Director and Senior Consultant Medical Oncology at Parkway Cancer Centre, Singapore, sees this trend up close. “Younger patients often delay medical attention because they simply don’t believe cancer could happen to them,” he says. “By the time they come in, many are already at stage 4.”

When Everyday Symptoms Mask Something Serious

The symptoms are easy to dismiss. Body aches, shoulder pain, stomach discomfort, fatigue—all easily chalked up to stress, overwork, or a sedentary lifestyle.

Dr. Ang recalls a recent patient, a 35-year-old man, who first experienced shoulder pain, then some discomfort in his abdomen. Painkillers seemed to help initially, so he didn’t investigate further. When he finally did, scans revealed his liver was full of tumors. The primary cancer was in the colon and it had already spread.

“This disbelief that someone so young could have cancer is what causes delays in diagnosis,” Dr. Ang explains.

Why Are More Young Adults Getting Cancer?

The short answer, it’s complicated. Experts agree the rise in early-onset cancer isn’t due to a single cause. It's a mix of genetics, lifestyle, environment, and healthcare gaps. Some cancers have known hereditary components, like BRCA mutations in breast and ovarian cancer. Others, like colorectal cancer, are increasingly being linked to lifestyle factors like diet, alcohol, and sedentary behavior.

Screenings aren’t routinely offered to younger adults. Mammograms typically start at 40; colonoscopies at 45. If you’re under that age and asymptomatic, you're likely not getting checked. Busy schedules, lack of insurance and the assumption that "I'm too young" to have cancer create a dangerous combination. Delays in seeking care mean many are only diagnosed when the disease has progressed.

To be clear, early-onset cancers are still relatively rare in the grand scheme of things but the pattern is significant enough to raise alarm bells. Dr. Ang clarifies, “It’s not an epidemic yet, but yes, we are seeing more young patients being diagnosed. Thankfully, they are often fit and can handle intensive treatments.”

The good news is that treatment protocols don’t differ drastically for younger patients, and their overall fitness may allow them to recover better and tolerate stronger therapies.

How Age Affects Cancer Risk?

Age is still the top risk factor for most cancers, the average age for a cancer diagnosis is 66 but some cancers skew younger. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Cancer Institute:

• Half of testicular cancer diagnoses occur in men aged 20-34.
• More than half of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) cases occur in those under 20.
• Hodgkin lymphoma most often strikes people under 39.
• One in four bone cancer diagnoses happen in children and teens.

These statistics show that while cancer is still more common with age, several types disproportionately affect younger people. So what should young adults take away from this growing trend?

Don’t ignore persistent symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or lingering pain should never be brushed off. These seemingly minor issues can sometimes signal something more serious.

Knowing your family history is also crucial. If cancer runs in your family, speak with your doctor about whether early screening is right for you. Don’t be afraid to push for answers. If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t settle for vague explanations, seek second or even third opinions if necessary.

Your lifestyle plays a big role too. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are simple yet powerful ways to reduce your cancer risk. Lastly, make regular check-ups a priority. Even if you feel fine, annual physicals can help flag early warning signs before they become something bigger. Your primary care doctor is your first line of defense in staying ahead of serious illness.

Cancer in your 30s or 40s still feels unthinkable to many, and that mindset is part of the problem. As Dr. Ang warns, “You cannot imagine symptoms like a little fatigue or shoulder pain could mean cancer. But sometimes, they do.”

You don’t need to panic at every minor ache. But staying informed, being body-aware, and not dismissing unusual changes can make all the difference. Because when it comes to cancer, catching it early still offers the best shot at a cure.

'Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of rare diseases. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.

Just the idea of bleeding for more than a few days each month is exhausting but imagine bleeding every day—for almost three years.

That's not a metaphor, that's the real-life experience of a young woman who's endured more than 1,000 consecutive days with continuous menstrual bleeding. No respite. No break. Only doctors, tests, hormone therapy, and bewilderment. Initially, it was apparently a textbook case of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But when the standard treatments didn't work and the bleeding continued to refuse to cease, her case became a medical enigma. It wasn't until almost day 950—and a hint from a TikTok follower—that she came across a potential solution: a rare anatomical anomaly called a bicornuate uterus, or what many refer to as a "heart-shaped uterus."

Poppy's nightmare started quietly, with stubborn spotting and profuse bleeding. At first, doctors thought she might have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a typical hormonal disorder that can impact menstruation. But this diagnosis wouldn't account for the intensity or longevity of her bleeding. She went through cycles of medications, ultrasounds, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and round-after-round of doctor visits—but nothing stopped the bleeding.

"My iron levels are rock bottom. I have headaches all the time, nausea, muscle and bone pain," she posted in one of her TikTok videos. Even after going through multiple rounds of testing and treatment, no doctor was able to find a specific reason for her persisting symptoms.

It wasn't until day 950 of her 1,000-day ordeal that a forgotten clue resurfaced—and it was in the first ultrasound she'd ever had. Courtesy of the crowd-sourced information provided by her social media friends, Poppy learned she could have a bicornuate uterus, or a "heart-shaped uterus."

This uncommon congenital condition, seen in fewer than 0.5% of women, results in the uterus forming two separate cavities rather than one. This developmental defect may significantly affect menstrual bleeding and fertility.

What Is a Bicornuate Uterus?

Bicornuate uterus is a condition that happens during fetal development where the two Mullerian ducts do not join to form one uterine cavity. Two horn-like parts develop instead, which is heart-shaped. Most often, it never gets noticed until something goes wrong, particularly during pregnancy or menstruation.

Although the condition is not necessarily dangerous, it has the potential to cause serious symptoms such as heavy or extended menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and painful sex. In severe instances, it can raise the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, and other complications during pregnancy.

Why Was It Missed?

Medical staff usually miss a bicornuate uterus unless actively searching for uterine anomalies. And unless it is extremely serious or a patient is pregnant, years may pass before detection.

In Poppy's situation, the anomaly was detected on her initial scan but never marked as a possible problem by any of her physicians—a breakdown in communication that cost her almost three years of physical and emotional pain.

Current Treatment For A Bicornuate Uterus

Having determined the probable reason for her ongoing bleeding, Poppy now is being subjected to additional tests, such as a detailed hormonal panel. Her IUD will be removed, and she will have a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure done to remove abnormal tissue accumulation in her uterine lining.

The best hope is corrective surgery—a procedure known as metroplasty—that seeks to reshape the uterus into one cavity. Though controversial and only for specific situations, metroplasty has relieved many women of their symptoms and greatly enhanced their reproductive records.

For Poppy, living without daily bleeding seems unreal. She described the possibility of relief in one word: "heaven."

Can You Get Pregnant with a Bicornuate Uterus?

Yes, but the path is not sure to be smooth. Although a bicornuate uterus never in itself prevents conception, it does complicate the pregnancy process. Since the uterus will not have enough room to grow, risks like miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight are greater.

Physicians usually advise greater prenatal surveillance to monitor fetal growth and uterine development. Sometimes in advance, cesarean section births may be scheduled because of irregular baby positioning.

Types of Bicornuate Uterus

The condition is characterized by the healthcare provider as being "partial" or "complete" based on the depth of the indentation in the uterus. A partial bicornuate uterus has a shallow indentation, whereas a complete one displays a deep, heart-shaped division.

Is Surgery Always Necessary?

Not every woman with a bicornuate uterus needs surgery. For most, the condition is not a big deal and doesn't impact life much. But for women like Poppy—suffering tremendously without relief—surgical repair can be transformative.

Metroplasty, most commonly performed through minimally invasive laparoscopic intervention, is the excision of the dividing tissue to form a more traditional uterine form. Post-operative treatment typically involves waiting after the surgery before trying to conceive because there is a danger of uterine rupture.

What sets Poppy's case apart is the fact that she has utilized TikTok as a forum not only to rant about her frustrations but also to teach. Her candor about a very private and mostly forbidden health concern has inspired thousands of women to challenge their own diagnoses and stand up for themselves in medical environments.

Poppy's case is a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance, self-advocacy, and the strength of online communities. As she inches toward a possible solution, her saga continues to encourage women to raise their voices, ask questions, and demand answers.

Because sometimes, the clue to solving a medical mystery isn’t hidden—it’s just been ignored.

If you’ve been experiencing prolonged menstrual symptoms or unexplained pelvic pain, consult a gynecologist and ask whether a uterine anomaly like a bicornuate uterus could be involved. Early diagnosis can change the course of your health.

If you’re among the millions using GLP‑1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy, chances are you’ve heard about boosted weight loss or better blood sugar control. But a surprising—and for some troubling—trend is emerging across Reddit forums, clinics, and daily conversations: significant changes in sex drive. For some users, intimacy has plummeted; for others, desire is surging. Welcome to the world of “Ozempic sex.”

It started innocuously enough: a user on r/Ozempic wrote, “I’ve lost 30 lbs, feel great… but my sex drive has disappeared. I can’t even think about it without feeling nauseous.” Others echoed the sentiment:

“It’s like my libido just left the building.”, “I miss feeling sexy again.”

These stories sparked heated discussions. What once was thought to be an unlikely side effect suddenly felt widespread. Some users, however, wrote about renewed confidence, improved energy, and even rekindled intimacy—complete opposite experiences that left everyone searching for answers.

What Are the Biological Factors of 'Ozempic Sex'?

Appetite suppression is a well-known effect of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, but what’s less discussed is how these medications impact brain chemistry. These drugs target the brain’s appetite centers, but they also influence pathways tied to dopamine—the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation and pleasure, including sexual desire. When dopamine levels drop, libido often follows. Add to this the hormonal shifts that come with rapid weight loss—fat cells play a critical role in producing estrogen and testosterone, both of which are essential for sexual function.

As body fat drops quickly, these hormone levels can dip, taking sexual desire with them. On top of that, the physical side effects of Ozempic—nausea, bloating, and stomach discomfort—make intimacy less appealing. Plus, with reduced calorie intake and a slower metabolism, many users report feeling fatigued, mentally drained, and lacking the physical energy for sex.

Not everyone experiences a drop in libido while taking GLP-1 medications. For some, the opposite happens. As these drugs help reduce weight and improve insulin sensitivity, hormone levels such as testosterone and estrogen can begin to normalize, often leading to a renewed interest in sex. This hormone rebalancing is one of the most commonly reported reasons for an increase in libido. Additionally, shedding pounds tends to boost confidence and body image. One Reddit user even shared that they hadn’t felt sexual energy in years—until Ozempic helped them get their spark back.

There’s also a physiological factor at play: weight loss and better blood sugar control often improve cardiovascular health, which means better blood flow. This can enhance arousal and responsiveness, particularly in men, but also in women. That said, the hard science on sex drive and GLP‑1 medications is still emerging. A modest study in the International Journal of Impotence Research found men aged 18 to 50 taking semaglutide had higher odds of developing erectile dysfunction and low testosterone. However, other studies paint a different picture. For example, some trials involving men with metabolic hypogonadism found that sexual function actually improved with GLP-1 medications like liraglutide.

Meanwhile, a study in eBioMedicine showed no testosterone changes among healthy men using dulaglutide. Results depend on each person’s metabolism, genetics, health status, and dosage. Several factors explain the variation:

Individual hormone baselines: Starting hormone levels shape whether changes help or harm libido.

Rate of weight loss: Gradual vs. rapid drops impact hormone stability.

Side effect burden: Heavy digestive or energy-side effects discourage sex.

Mental state: Stress, anxiety, and altered body image all play a role.

Dosage and drug type: Medication strength and GLP‑1 agent influence outcomes.

How Weight Loss Drugs Impact Relationships?

The original Reddit poster wrote, “My sex life is practically non‑existent now, and it’s putting strains on our relationship.” That strain is real. When physical intimacy fades, and no emotional cues fill the gap, long-term relationships can quietly erode. For those experiencing a drop in libido, honest conversations—whether with a partner or a therapist—can be a powerful first step. Medical health providers may also suggest adjusting the GLP‑1 dose, optimizing nutrition to better support hormonal health, or finding calmer windows to schedule intimacy when stress is lower. And if side effects persist, exploring alternative weight loss methods like plant-based eating, mindfulness, or exercise-led strategies might offer better balance without compromising emotional connection.

If Using Ozempic Should You Be Worried?

If you’re on Ozempic—or considering it—and notice changes in your sex drive, don’t ignore it. Bring it up with your healthcare provider. Ask about checking hormone levels, including testosterone and estrogen, which may be impacted by weight loss or medication. It’s also worth discussing whether your dosage needs adjustment or if another GLP-1 medication might be a better fit. Side effects like nausea, fatigue, or mood changes can influence libido, so managing those is key.

A more holistic approach—one that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mental health support—can help restore your overall well-being. Sex drive may not get much attention in clinical trials, but patients are speaking up, and doctors are starting to listen. It’s no longer just about what a medication does to your body, but how it affects your entire life.

Ozempic hype often focuses on weight loss and diabetes reversal. But like any medication, it brings side effects—some well-studied, others just emerging. “Ozempic sex” highlights how gendered, personal, and underexplored side issues can be.

Large-scale pharmacovigilance reviews are needed, but until then, real-world user reports remain critical. Whether libido dips or climbs, sharing experiences online—and with healthcare providers—creates data that helps everyone.

Ozempic and its peers offer undeniable benefits: better metabolic control, cardiovascular gains, and weight loss success. But they’re not one-size-fits-all. If intimate wellness begins to stray, don’t write it off as part of the weight-loss journey—address it.

Your relationship, sexual health, and happiness matter just as much as body measurements or A1c numbers. The new frontier in GLP‑1 therapy isn’t just pills—it’s the full spectrum of human experience. And in that equation, sex matters too.

Chest pains are more common than we think. Many people experience these out of nowhere, no fore warning or previous occurrences etc. Usually having chest pains is associated with heart attacks, which can be fatal. However, did you know, these chest pains could also be due to anxiety?

Panic disorder is a common mental health condition, affecting between 1 and 4 out of every 100 people. If someone experiences repeated anxiety attacks along with ongoing worry or changes in their behavior, they might also have symptoms like chest pain.

In fact, according to the chest pain occurs in 20% to 70% of panic attacks. Interestingly, about 18% to 25% of patients who visit emergency rooms with chest pain actually have panic disorder. This often leads to unnecessary heart tests, and unfortunately, the real cause of their pain goes undiagnosed in many cases.

Why Does Anxiety Cause Chest Pain?

There are several reasons why panic attacks can lead to chest pain, which can be categorized as either heart-related (cardiac) or non-heart-related (non-cardiac). Heart-related chest pain means there's a reduced blood supply to the heart, often due to spasms or a lack of oxygen (ischemia). However, non-heart-related chest pain can come from your muscles, bones, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach (esophagus), or other organs not connected to your heart.

Non-Cardiac Reasons

Non-cardiac chest pain from anxiety can stem from your muscles and bones, or from your esophagus. Rapid breathing during anxiety, known as hyperventilation, can cause the muscles between your ribs to tense up and spasm, leading to pain. Additionally, anxiety can disrupt how your esophagus moves, causing painful esophageal spasms.

Cardiac Reasons

Anxiety can directly affect your heart, causing pain through various mechanisms. This can include the "fight or flight" response combined with rapid breathing, which may make the blood vessels supplying your heart muscle (coronary arteries) tighten, reducing blood flow. If you already have heart disease, anxiety can also worsen chest pain by making your heart work harder and increasing its oxygen demand. Sometimes, anxiety can even cause the tiny blood vessels in your heart to constrict.

How to Tell the Difference: Anxiety Chest Pain vs. Heart Attack

It can be very challenging to tell the difference between chest pain caused by anxiety and chest pain from a heart attack. However, some symptoms might help you distinguish between the two:

Heart attack chest pain is usually triggered by physical effort, whereas anxiety chest pain can happen even when you're resting.

Heart attack chest pain typically reaches its worst within a few minutes or stays constant; pain due to anxiety might be triggered or made worse by pressing on the painful area.

Anxiety chest pain is often described as sharp and stabbing, felt in a small, specific area. Heart attack pain is usually felt as pressure, fullness, an ache, or a squeezing sensation.

What Can Be Done To Reduce Chest Pains Caused By Anxiety?

If you experience chest pain, it's vital to seek professional medical help immediately. A doctor will accurately diagnose the cause through your medical history and physical exams, ensuring you get the right treatment. Some other ways it can be helped is,

Therapy

Talking therapies, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), have shown great success in treating anxiety-related chest pain. These approaches help you manage thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anxiety.

Deep Breathing

Once diagnosed, deep breathing can calm your body and mind, helping normalize your heart rate. Inhale for 10 seconds, hold for one, then exhale for 10 to ease the pain.

Calming Techniques

Mind-calming techniques, like focusing on pleasant things, can gradually relieve anxiety symptoms. Remember that anxiety-related chest pain isn't life-threatening; staying optimistic and relaxed can also help.

Keeping Yourself Healthy

Maintaining general health is key. Regular exercise, stress management, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can prevent future panic attacks. Cutting out caffeine, smoking, and alcohol is also important, as they can worsen anxiety.