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.

Tramadol, a strong synthetic opioid, has been commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain. However, a recent study suggests that its risks may outweigh its modest benefits for chronic pain, and its use should be carefully reconsidered. Published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, the study found that tramadol may offer only a slight reduction in chronic pain, with limited evidence supporting its effectiveness.

More worryingly, it could contribute to long-term health problems that might become life-threatening. Let’s examine the study’s findings in detail.

What Is Tramadol Used For?

Tramadol is a prescription, only synthetic opioid used to manage moderate to severe pain. It works by changing how the brain and nervous system perceive pain, according to Medline Plus. Its uses include:

• Acute pain: Immediate-release formulations help manage short-term, intense pain, such as after surgery or an injury.
• Chronic pain: Extended-release tablets and capsules are used for persistent, severe pain when other treatments have failed.
• Condition-specific pain: It may be prescribed for ongoing pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.

Tramadol Can Lead To Serious Health Issues?

A new review suggests that millions of Americans with chronic pain may be prescribed tramadol, a drug that may provide minimal relief. Even more concerning, the research highlights that the medication could increase the risk of serious health complications, including heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 51.6 million adults in the US, roughly one in five, experience chronic pain, with 17.1 million having pain that interferes with daily life or work. Tramadol has often been used to manage this pain, with 16 million prescriptions written for the drug in 2023 alone. Traditionally seen as a “safer alternative” to stronger opioids, tramadol has been perceived to carry fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction.

Given conflicting evidence from earlier limited studies, Danish researchers decided to evaluate whether tramadol is truly effective and safe for chronic pain. “The findings suggest that the benefits of tramadol are questionable or uncertain. Additionally, there is evidence of potentially harmful effects,” said Dr. Janus Jakobsen, lead author and clinical professor at the University of Southern Denmark.

Tramadol Side Effects

Tramadol can cause serious side effects, including heart-related issues such as chest pain, heart disease, or congestive heart failure. The study also found it increased the risk of both mild and serious adverse events, including nausea, dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, and cardiac complications. It may also be linked to neoplasm events, abnormal cell growths that can lead to tumors, which may be benign or malignant.

These findings, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, arrive amid the ongoing opioid crisis in the US, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives since the late 1990s. Research indicates that around 12% of patients treated with opioids for chronic pain may develop addiction or misuse the drugs, raising the risk of overdose and other severe outcomes.

The opioid epidemic was declared a national public health emergency by President Trump in 2017, and the death toll has continued to rise in the years since.

A major part of your health depends on your sleep. While you may delay your sleep or skip it to do other tasks, your body keeps the score. You may be slowly pushing yourself into not just physical health issues, but also mental health issues.

While sleep may seem like an easy thing, you only need enough time for there are many aspects of it that could reveal whether you are sleeping well or not. In a recent post, Dr Christopher J Allen, MD, a US board-certified sleep doctor, revealed 10 important sleep facts that one must know.

Sleep Advice You Need For Proper Rest

In the video titled, “Advice I’d give you as a sleep doctor for a decade – If I wasn’t afraid of hurting your feelings” he gave the below mentioned advice.

Snoozing Doesn't Help

Hitting the snooze button actually confuses your brain. It starts a new sleep cycle that you immediately interrupt. This guarantees you will feel more groggy and tired all morning, not rested. Just get up when the alarm first rings.

Late-Night Energy Isn't Natural

Feeling "wired" late at night isn't natural energy. It usually means you've had too much stimulation, you're dehydrated, and you're stuck in a constant stress cycle. Your body is running on high alert, not true fuel.

Instant Sleep Isn't Healthy

If you fall asleep the second your head hits the pillow, you don't have great sleep; you have a problem. It's a clear sign of severe exhaustion or a major sleep debt built up from missing sleep over time.

You Need Recovery, Not Stimulants

Your constant low energy can't be fixed by simply drinking more caffeine. Your real issue is a lack of proper recovery. You need more REM sleep—the deep, restorative kind—to truly solve your energy problem.

Midnight Waking Is Stress-Related

Waking up sharply at 3 AM is not random bad luck. It often happens because your stress hormones, called cortisol, start pumping during the night. Your body is on high alert, starting its "night shift" while you should be resting.

Scrolling Isn't Relaxing

You think you're relaxing when you scroll through your phone, but your nervous system disagrees. The bright screen and constant stimulation signal danger to your brain, putting you into survival mode instead of calming you down.

Weekend Catch-Up Doesn't Work

Trying to "catch up" on sleep during the weekend doesn't fix your sleep debt. It simply throws off your body's internal clock (circadian rhythm). This actually makes it much harder to wake up and start your week on Monday.

You Can't 'Get Used To' 5 Hours

Science shows that believing you are "used to" only five hours of sleep is dangerous. Your body is actually quietly suffering damage and breaking down. You need more sleep to avoid long-term health risks.

Tiredness Starts Before Bed

Waking up feeling completely exhausted isn't usually your mattress's fault. It’s often connected to your stress mindset, the food you eat, and those sneaky stress hormone spikes that happen while you should be deeply sleeping.

Most Important Factor For Sleep

The health expert ended the post by explaining your body can't truly heal and recover if you keep it in the same environment and under the same stress that makes you feel run down. Your bedroom and your nightly routine are actually a direct reflection of your entire lifestyle.

The core scientific truth is that your body isn't being lazy, it is genuinely exhausted, and your brain isn't broken, it's just begging for the safety and security that comes from good, proper rest.

According to India’s National Mental Health Survey, nearly 3.5% of the country’s population experiences anxiety disorders each year, often triggered by work stress, relationship problems, or distressing events. While mild anxiety is a normal part of life, persistent or unmanaged anxiety can keep older adults in a constant state of tension.

This long-term stress may increase heart rate, affect mood, and, as experts now warn, even raise blood pressure (BP). The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as ongoing feelings of worry or unease that can cause physical reactions such as a faster heartbeat or sweating.

The APA also notes that anxiety can temporarily elevate blood pressure. In turn, people with chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension, may develop anxiety about their health, creating a cycle where each condition worsens the other.

Can Anxiety Lead To Blood Pressure?

Anxiety is the body’s built-in response to stress. It’s common to feel anxious before a major exam or while awaiting important news. When this happens, the body releases stress hormones that raise the heart rate and narrow blood vessels, both of which can push blood pressure higher.

A 2015 study by Medical News Today found that individuals with severe anxiety faced a greater risk of developing hypertension compared to those with milder symptoms. Researchers emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, especially for people who already have high blood pressure.

In most cases, anxiety-related spikes in blood pressure are short-lived and return to normal once the person calms down. However, constant anxiety can strain the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels much like long-term hypertension does. Over time, hormonal changes linked to anxiety may lead to fat accumulation, especially around the waist. Anxiety can also alter daily habits, such as causing stress eating, which may indirectly raise blood pressure.

Signs of Anxiety-Induced High Blood Pressure

A normal blood pressure reading typically falls between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. For adults over 80, readings below 150/90 mmHg are considered healthy. When readings consistently rise above these levels, it can indicate hypertension. Some anxiety medications can also increase blood pressure. For example, serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, are known to cause a rise in BP. Common symptoms of anxiety that may contribute to higher blood pressure include:

• Trembling or shaking
• Excessive sweating
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Irritability
• Dizziness or shortness of breath

Can High Blood Pressure Also Trigger Anxiety?

High blood pressure itself can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety. People diagnosed with hypertension may start worrying about their long-term health or potential complications. The symptoms of hypertension, such as headaches, vision problems, or an irregular heartbeat can also cause distress or panic. According to Medical News Today, signs of hypertension can include:

• Vision changes
• Headaches
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Buzzing in the ears

Severe hypertension can also provoke anxiety. If someone feels unusually anxious and experiences symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath, it is important to seek immediate medical help.

Since hypertension often develops without clear warning signs, it can be difficult to tell whether the cause of discomfort is anxiety or high blood pressure. This is why regular check-ups with a doctor are essential for monitoring and managing both conditions effectively.