Cancer doesn’t happen when you are young?
Isn’t that what some people think?
I, too, thought that people who get cancer in their 20s were really rare until I researched it.
(I have one friend from elementary school who was found to have cancer at age 21.)
It wouldn’t hurt to know about it when you are young.
What 20-somethings want to know about cancer
The 20s is a critical time in one’s life, a turning point.
It is an age when many people are striving to achieve their dreams by taking on various challenges such as employment, work, love, and marriage.
However, even amidst all of this, it is very important to think about your health.
Cancer is a worrisome disease that anyone can get.
However, the number of cancer patients in their 20s is relatively small, about 5% of all cancer patients, and there is a good chance of cure if it is detected and treated early.
Cancer most likely to develop in 20s (cervical cancer)
One of the most common cancers that can develop in one’s 20s is cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Since it is transmitted through sexual intercourse, it is more likely to occur in younger generations.
Symptoms
There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as irregular bleeding, bleeding during intercourse, increased discharge, and lower abdominal pain may occur.
Progression
Cervical cancer is classified into four stages, from Stage I to Stage IV, according to the degree of progression.
Stage I: Cancer of the cervix only
Stage II: Cancer that has spread beyond the cervix to surrounding tissues
Stage III: Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes around the cervix
Stage IV: Cancer that has spread to distant lymph nodes or organs.
Diagnosis
The following tests are used to diagnose cervical cancer
Cytology: Cells are collected from the cervix and examined for the presence of cancer cells.
Histology: Tissue samples are taken from the cervix and examined for pathology.
HPV test: Cells are collected from the cervix and tested for HPV infection.
Vaginal speculum: An instrument called a vaginal speculum is used to examine the condition of the cervix.
Ultrasound: An image of the cervix and ovaries is obtained.
Treatment
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the advanced stage of the disease, the patient’s age and physical condition.
Surgery: Surgery to remove the cervix (simple hysterectomy, wide hysterectomy, etc.)
Radiation therapy: Treatment using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Treatment with anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.
Prevention
Cervical cancer can be prevented through HPV vaccination and regular checkups.
HPV vaccination: HPV vaccination is recommended for girls between the ages of 9 and 14.
Routine checkups: It is recommended that women 20 years of age and older undergo cytological examinations once every three years.
Cancers most likely to develop in one’s 20s (breast cancer)
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that can develop in one’s 20s.
Breast cancer: Cancer that develops due to the effects of female hormones. In recent years, the incidence of this cancer has been increasing among younger generations.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in the mammary tissue in the breast. The breast is composed of fatty tissue and mammary tissue, which is further divided into ducts and lobules. Most breast cancers are caused by cancerous transformation of cells in the ducts or lobules.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Lumps in the breast
Changes in the skin of the breast (redness, sores, dimpling, etc.)
Discharge from the nipple
Changes in the size or shape of the breast
Enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Being female
Age (risk increases with age)
Family history of breast cancer
Mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
Early age of onset of menstruation
Late age of menopause
Never given birth or late childbearing age
Obesity
Alcohol consumption
Hormone replacement therapy
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Breast palpation
Mammography
Ultrasonography
MRI scan
Needle biopsy or excisional biopsy
Breast Cancer Treatment
Surgery: removal of all or part of the breast
Radiation therapy: use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells
Chemotherapy: use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body
Hormone therapy: uses drugs to block or inhibit the effects of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone
Targeted therapy: uses drugs that target molecules involved in the growth and survival of specific cancer cells
Breast Cancer Prognosis
The prognosis for breast cancer depends on a variety of factors, including cancer stage, hormone receptor positive/negative, and HER2 positive/negative.
In general, breast cancer detected at an early stage has a higher cure rate than more advanced breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Perform self palpation once a month
Undergo regular breast cancer screening
Summary
I have a son in his twenties. The reason I have researched this issue is because my son is almost certain not to get cancer when he is young.
In conclusion, I would like to tell you that it is possible to get cancer even at a young age.
Cancer is possible at any age, so don’t be overconfident that because he is young, he will be fine, and try to lead a healthy life.
As for women, it is a good idea to make it a habit to have regular checkups from the time you are in your 20s.
