If you scroll through Instagram or YouTube long enough, you will watch young celebrities and fitness influencers talking about a cancer diagnosis and “hidden tumours”. Some of you may also notice that
an ad for a discounted full-body scan pops up just as you are watching a reel about healthy living. For many young Indians, especially those in their early 20s, this exposure has made cancer not just an older-age concern but a present-day anxiety.
With India’s growing preventive health industry aggressively marketing early detection packages, such as genetic testing kits, tumour marker blood tests and executive check-ups, young urban adults have become more health-conscious than ever before, but also more confused.
So, should 25-year-olds book their scans for cancer, or simply ignore the noise?
“Cancer screenings are a head-scratcher for people in their mid-20s. People in their early adult years do worry about cancer risk, but are generally unsure about when they should get screened for the disease. Medical guidelines exist to clear this confusion by explaining the ages at which screening tests are most useful. Not all cancer tests belong in your 20s, but some tests matter more than others before age 30,” said Dr Nidhi Patni, Director, Radiation Oncology, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur.
How Common Is Cancer In Your 20s?
Although cancer in your 20s is rare, statistically it is diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. Around 5% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the US — nearly 90,000 new cases — occur in young adults between the ages of 15 and 39. “About 25,000 cases per year are found in people in their 20s,” says Denise Rokitka, MD, MPH, Director of Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Survivorship and Director of the Young Adult Program and Oncofertility Program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, as published on RoswellPark.org, a cancer treatment and research facility in New York.
“Cancer is rare in people in their 20s, but it does happen. The cancers most often seen at this age include lymphomas, such as Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular cancer in men, cervical cancer in women, thyroid cancer, and some bone and soft tissue cancers. These cancers are highly treatable when picked up early, which is why awareness matters more than anxiety,” said Dr Nidhi Tandon, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead, Medical Oncology, Narayana HealthCity, Bengaluru.
The majority of cancer cases worldwide occur in people over 40, with risk rising sharply after 50. According to Dr Varun Goel, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, breast cancer in women in their late 20s and 30s makes up a significant portion of early-onset cases, while colorectal and lung cancers account for a smaller share of cases in those under 40.
That said, “rare” should not be misread as “never.” Certain cancers, such as cervical cancer in women or testicular cancer in men, do have relevance in younger age groups. The goal is not to dismiss concern but to calibrate it. Understanding your relative risk allows you to make rational decisions rather than reacting to fear-driven marketing or alarming anecdotes.
A 22-Year-Old Man Shares His Cancer Journey
A 22-year-old man from Jaipur, who used to consume alcohol and smoke heavily, shared with News18 how he felt when he was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago. “I was diagnosed with testicular cancer when I was 20. I used to feel a lump while touching the area, but I took it lightly due to a lack of awareness. Honestly, I wasn’t careful enough. After some time, I started feeling heaviness and mild pain. I searched it online and went to the doctor, as I felt embarrassed discussing it with my parents. The doctor suggested some tests, and I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I wasn’t sure whether it was curable. The word ‘cancer’ felt so big that I started crying until the doctor explained the surgery option. That’s when I involved my parents.”
When asked whether young people these days take their health lightly, the 22-year-old, who actively played cricket and kabaddi before his diagnosis, said health is often seen as a future problem, not a present responsibility. Many young people indulge in smoking, skip meals and obsessively use their phones, thinking everything is harmless. “Serious illness breaks that illusion instantly… Caring for health is not about obsession or fear. It is about respect. The earlier that respect begins, the more resilient the body stays when life throws surprises.”
Being a victim of alcohol use and smoking, the cancer survivor says he advises his peers and young adults to avoid the two vices. “Sleep is not optional. Manage stress before it manages you. Stay active without chasing extremes. Get vaccinated where recommended and do not skip routine check-ups out of fear,” he stresses.
He also suggests that young people should stay consistently active and go for walking, cycling, swimming, yoga and weight training. “The key is making movement non-negotiable, like brushing your teeth. Start early, keep it simple, and let time do the rest.”
Should You Really Be Worried About Cancer At 25?
“Worrying about cancer at the age of 25 tends to be misplaced when it focuses on routine tests. Most early cancers remain uncommon in young adults, and broad screening tests are designed for ages when cancer becomes more frequent. Because of this, oncology guidelines avoid routine tests for cancers that rarely occur in 20-something adults without risk factors,” says Dr Patni.
She further said screening too early can cause false alarms and unnecessary procedures. “What’s more important is understanding your personal risk and following guidelines that balance benefits and harm.”
Dr Tandon also said not “worry” but “awareness” is the right word for people in their late 20s when looking at cancer risk. For most people in their mid or late 20s, the overall risk of cancer is low. “Routine cancer screening is rarely advisable unless there are symptoms or a strong family history. That said, ignoring persistent changes in the body is never wise. Paying attention to your body without panic is the healthiest balance,” she said.
What Are The Recommended Guidelines?
Medical screening guidelines are designed around population-level evidence, not social media trends. “For many, the 20s are a time of self-discovery, but they also mark a critical turning point for preventive health. If you have a cervix, age 25 is the recommended milestone to begin cervical cancer screening. Guidelines prioritise the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) test, which detects early cell changes before they become cancerous. If HPV testing isn’t available, a traditional Pap smear every three years remains a safe and effective alternative,” recommends Dr Patni.
HPV vaccination protects against strains of the human papillomavirus responsible for most cervical cancers. HPV testing itself is not always necessary at 25 unless recommended by a doctor, but awareness about vaccination is crucial.
Dr Patni explained that cervical cancer is almost exclusively linked to HPV — a common virus passed through sexual contact. “Because HPV is often asymptomatic, one cannot rely on how a person feels to gauge safety — regular screening is the only way to be sure,” she explains.
India’s HPV vaccination programme targets girls aged 9–14 years through schools and health centres. The initiative aims to combat high cervical cancer rates using the indigenous quadrivalent vaccine CERVAVAC, which covers HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. A two-dose regimen is recommended for this age group.
Breast cancer screening through mammograms is generally not advised for women in their 20s unless there is a strong family history or genetic risk. Instead, doctors often encourage “breast self-awareness,” which means knowing what is normal for your body and seeking medical advice if something changes.
Dr Patni points out that other cancer screenings don’t apply to those under 30 who are at average risk. “For example, screening for colon cancer is typically recommended to begin at 45 years for individuals with average risk. Mammograms for breast cancer begin at 45 or later, unless someone has a higher risk due to family history or other factors. Skin cancer checks and other tests are not universally recommended at 25 unless a health provider identifies specific risk factors.”
For men in their 20s, routine cancer screenings are far less common. Prostate and colon screenings are not typically recommended at this age without significant family history or symptoms. What is often advised is testicular awareness — being familiar with any unusual lumps or swelling and consulting a doctor if something feels different. Skin checks can be relevant for both men and women, especially in a country like India where sun exposure is high, but this usually means paying attention to changing moles rather than scheduling formal dermatology screenings every year.
Family history changes the equation for everyone. If close relatives were diagnosed with certain cancers at a young age, doctors may advise earlier or more frequent screenings. These decisions are personalised rather than universal.
When A 25-Year-Old Should See A Doctor
“A 25-year-old should see a doctor if any symptom persists beyond a few weeks without a clear explanation. Unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue, lumps, abnormal bleeding, changes in bowel habits or pain that does not settle deserve attention,” warns Dr Tandon. She adds, “Seeing a doctor is not an admission of fear. It is simply a way to rule things out early, when reassurance or treatment is easiest.”
The stress is on persistence and change. A fleeting symptom is usually harmless, but a pattern that continues for weeks or worsens over time is worth checking. Early consultation is less about expecting the worst and more about ruling out possibilities calmly and professionally.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Be Made To Reduce Cancer Risk?
For people in their 20s, long-term cancer risk is influenced far more by everyday habits than by hidden genes. Tobacco use remains one of the most significant risk factors, whether in the form of cigarettes, vaping or smokeless products. Alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking, is also increasingly linked to several cancers.
“A balanced diet that helps maintain a healthy weight, along with sustained physical activity, contributes to cancer prevention in the long run,” adds Dr Patni.
Diets high in ultra-processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats contribute to obesity, which is associated with increased cancer risk later in life. Sleep deprivation and chronic stress also affect overall health in ways that accumulate over time.
Environmental exposure is another concern. Air pollution in major cities, occupational hazards in certain industries and indoor pollution from cooking fuels can influence respiratory and overall health. While individuals cannot control every factor, awareness and small lifestyle adjustments still carry weight.
The takeaway is that most 25-year-olds have more control over their long-term cancer risk than they realise. Genetics sets a baseline, but daily choices shape the trajectory.
For most healthy young adults, the smartest approach is neither neglect nor overreaction. A Pap smear in the mid-20s, HPV vaccination if not already taken, awareness of bodily changes and a focus on lifestyle habits offer far more value than expensive annual scans. Cancer prevention at 25 is less about hunting for hidden disease and more about building a foundation for long-term health.
