Greatest Cancer Threats in Your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s

By Lisa Collier Cool Dec 12, 2013 Health Blogs Main

Day in Health
by Lisa Collier Cool Recent Posts

A New Test to Predict Heart Attacks Can chilly weather really cause a cold? Amazing Facts About Laughter Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs for 2014

More Articles Related Topics Borderline Personality Disorder Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Health Topics Cancer isnt just a disease of the elderly; some forms are striking at an earlier age than in the past or are causing more aggressive disease in younger patients. And the news gets worsecancer fatalities are actually on the rise, according to a new report by the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer. In 2012, the global death toll from cancer increased to 8.2 million, compared to 7.6 million when a similar survey was done in 2008. Increasingly unhealthy lifestyles are a major culprit, with an estimated 14.1 million people around the world developing cancer, the report stated. To find out more about the most common forms of cancer in women and men at different agesand what action steps are most effective to reduce risk, I talked to Dr. Dale Shepard, MD, PhD, a cancer specialist in the Solid Tumor Oncology department of the Cleveland Clinic.

Top Cancer Threats for Women in Their 30s or 40s

Women between 25 and 49 face the highest cancer risk from breast cancer, malignant melanoma, and cervical and ovarian cancers. Although the risk of breast cancer increases for women as they age and only about 1 in 8 cases of invasive breast cancer are detected in women younger than 45, breast cancer that strikes women in their 30s is more likely to be an aggressive case of the disease, says Dr. Shepard. Melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, is being found more often in younger women in the past two decades than it was in the past, reports the Skin Cancer Foundation. Deaths from ovarian cancer are also on the rise. So despite the overall lower risks of developing cancer for women in this age group, there are compelling reasons to be alert and to know your risks. Cancer Precautions: Tips to Lower Your Risk

Prevention and Awareness

Younger women who dont yet know their family medical history should collect information from relatives about cancer patterns. Of particular concern is having more than one family member who has had breast or ovarian cancer, especially when these cancers have been diagnosed at a young age, or multiple cancers in one family member (two types of breast cancer or breast and ovarian cancer, for instance), according to the National Cancer Institute. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends women 40 and older have a screening mammogram every year; for women in their 30s, the ACS says a clinical breast exam should be done at least every three years by a professional as part of a regular health check-up. When it comes to skin cancer, a family history of melanoma could suggest the presence of a risky gene mutation. Genetic counseling is an option to learn about possible risks and whether genetic testing may be appropriate. To reduce your risk of developing melanoma, limit your exposure to UV lightwhether natural sunlight or from a tanning bedby using sunscreen and protective clothing and a hat when outdoors during the day. Check regularly for abnormal moles.

Top Cancer Threats for Men in Their 30s or 40s

The greatest risk of developing cancer for men in their 30s and 40s comes from testicular cancer, malignant melanoma, and bowel cancer. Prostate cancer, too, becomes more likely for men in their forties, says Dr. Shepard, who also notes a trend in cancers of the head and neck. Once most common in smokers in their late 50s and 60s, cancers in these areas are now being found in younger men in their forties who test positive for human papilloma virus, or HPV.

Prevention and Awareness

Learn your family medical history to discover cancers that may present a high risk for you and if a harmful gene mutation may be suspected among your kin. Avoid tobacco in any form and limit alcohol. Other protective measures include eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, participating in exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. 10 Diet Changes to Extend Your Life

Top Cancer Threats for Women in Their 50s or 60s

Like those in the younger group, women in this age range could face the threat of breast cancer. The next most likely types are cancers of the lung, bowel, and uterus. Endometrial cancer, the most common form of uterine cancer, typically afflicts women who are in their fifties and early sixties.

Prevention and Awareness

For women in this age group, a mammogram and clinical breast exam are recommended yearly, as well as a Pap test and HPV test to look for cervical cancer every five years, and a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer every 10 years. What many patients dont know is that colonoscopy is the only cancer screening test that can actually prevent the disease. Thats because colon cancer typically starts as polyps. If these are found and removed during a colonoscopy, they wont turn into cancer, notes Dr. Shepard. Avoid tobacco in any form, keep a healthy weight, be active, and eat a diet that is high in fiber and plant foods. As I reported recently, if Americans ate more fiber, more than 64,000 cases of colon cancer would be prevented. These tips are oft repeated, but what you may not know is that according to the American Cancer Society, of the almost 600,000 Americans who die each year of cancer, about one in three of the deaths can be linked to being physically inactive, having excessive body weight, and eating an unhealthy diet the dangers are very real. Also limit or avoid alcohol; having more than one drink daily ups risk for breast cancer, Dr. Shepard reports.

Top Cancer Threats for Men in Their 50s and 60s

The cancers most frequently diagnosed in men in this age bracket are those of the prostate, lungs, and bowel. And mens overall risk of developing cancer is greater at this age group than for younger men. Dr. Shepard notes that by the time male patients are in their 50s, doctors begin to start seeing them come in with all types of cancer, not just the most common forms.

Prevention and Awareness

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends screening for colorectal cancer for men beginning at age 50 and continuing through their 60s. The three recommended forms of screening are fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy; using any of these methods reduces the likelihood of men in this age group dying of colorectal cancer. Men in their 50s and 60s should also talk to their medical provider about the pros and cons of PSA testing to check for prostate cancer. Until recently, this test was advised annually for men starting at age 50. Now, reports the National Cancer Institute, a number of medical organizations caution against routine testing due to false results, while others continue to advise it. The best advice is to discuss testing with your doctor to make an informed decision that feels comfortable for you.