Increasing Diagnosis of Cancer Among Youths – A Root Cause/Effect Analysis and Call to Action

Cancer is a very serious disease that many people think only happens to older adults. However, more young people are being diagnosed with cancer today. In this article, we will look at some reasons why this might be happening, what effects it has on families and communities, and what we can all do to help.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that starts when some cells in the body begin to grow in a wrong way. These cells can form a lump called a tumor. Sometimes, these cells spread to other parts of the body and cause more harm.

Why Are More Young People Getting Cancer?

1. Environmental Causes

The air we breathe and the water we drink might sometimes have harmful chemicals. These chemicals can come from factories, cars, and even from the food we eat. When young people are exposed to these chemicals for a long time, it might make their cells change and become cancer.

2. Lifestyle Choices

Our everyday choices also affect our health. Eating too much junk food, not getting enough exercise, and spending a lot of time on computers or phones can make our bodies weaker. A weak body might have a harder time fighting off diseases like cancer.

3. Family and Genes

Sometimes, cancer runs in families. This means that if someone in your family had cancer, you might have a higher chance of getting it too. Scientists are still learning how our genes and the world around us work together to cause cancer.

How Does Cancer Affect Young People and Their Families?

1. Personal Impact

When a young person gets cancer, it can change their whole life. They might have to miss school, not be able to play with friends, or give up hobbies they love. The treatment for cancer, like surgery or chemotherapy, can also make them feel very tired and sick.

2. Family and Friends

It is not just the young person who suffers. Their family and friends also feel sad and worried. Parents might lose sleep and feel stressed about paying for medicine and hospital visits. This can affect the whole family, making it hard to do everyday things.

3. School and Community

When many young people get cancer, schools and communities need to learn more about the disease. This can help them give support to students who are sick and teach everyone how to stay healthy.

What Can We Do to Help?

1. Learn More About Cancer

The first step is to learn about cancer. When we understand what causes cancer and how it affects the body, we can make better choices. This means reading books, watching videos, and talking to doctors.

2. Stay Healthy

Eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, playing outside, and getting regular exercise can help keep our bodies strong. When we take care of our bodies, we may lower our risk of getting sick.

3. Help the Environment

We can also help by taking care of our environment. This means recycling, planting trees, and keeping our neighborhoods clean. A cleaner world can have less harmful chemicals that might cause cancer.

4. Speak Up and Share

It is important to talk about cancer. When we share our stories and learn from others, we can support people who are going through hard times. Schools and communities can start clubs or groups that help spread the word about healthy living and cancer prevention.

5. Ask for Help

If you or someone you know is affected by cancer, it is important to ask for help. Teachers, doctors, and counselors can provide advice and support. No one has to face cancer alone.

Conclusion

Cancer among young people is a problem that affects many lives. By understanding the possible causes, like harmful chemicals in our environment, poor lifestyle choices, and family history, we can start to see how cancer happens. It is important for everyone—students, parents, teachers, and community leaders—to work together. By learning more, staying healthy, caring for our environment, and speaking up, we can help stop the rise of cancer among youths.

Let’s all take action now to create a healthier and safer future for everyone!

By The Editorial Team, Greenhealth Solutions

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References:

1. "Why Is Cancer Rising Among Young Adults?" Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

2. "What to Know About Rising Rates of 'Early-Onset' Cancer." Yale Medicine.  

3. "What's Causing Cancer Rates to Rise in Gen X and Millennials?" Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.  

4. "Early Onset Cancer Program." Yale Cancer Center.  

5. "The Race to Explain Why More Young Adults Are Getting Cancer." Time.