‘I never thought this could happen to me, I’m young, just in my 30s. It’s a line we hear quite often,” says Dr Chetan Anchan, Surgical Oncologist, Director, SSO Cancer Hospital.
Over the last few years,
there has been a noticeable rise in cancers being diagnosed in younger individuals—cases that were once largely associated with older populations. “We are increasingly seeing breast cancer, colon cancer, thyroid cancer, and others in much younger patients,” notes Dr Anchan.
What’s more concerning is the stage at which many of these patients present. “Unfortunately, many of them come to us with advanced disease. That’s when I often see them—when the cancer has already spread, sometimes even to the bones,” he explains.
Cancers in younger individuals can also behave differently. “It is well known that cancers in younger patients tend to be more aggressive. This makes early detection and timely diagnosis even more critical,” Dr. Anchan adds.
What’s Changed?
“The answer lies, to a large extent, in how we live today,” says Dr. Anchan. Modern urban lifestyles have reshaped risk factors in subtle but significant ways. Sedentary habits, processed food, chronic stress, poor sleep, and environmental toxins are all contributing to earlier onset of disease. “We are also seeing rising rates of obesity, early-onset diabetes, and hormonal imbalances, all of which create a biological environment where cancer can develop sooner than expected,” he explains.
As a result, conditions once considered age-related are now appearing much earlier.
The Dangerous Delay
This shift has created what Dr. Anchan calls a “perfect trap.” “Young patients often delay seeking medical attention because they don’t believe their symptoms could be serious,” he says. “They attribute warning signs to lifestyle issues, stress, or minor illnesses.”
Busy schedules and work pressures don’t help. “Many young people tend to self-diagnose or self-medicate, postponing proper evaluation,” he adds.
Even healthcare providers can sometimes miss early signs. “These patients are often otherwise healthy and physically fit, with no alarming symptoms that immediately raise concern,” Dr. Anchan explains. “As a result, symptoms may be attributed to more common, benign conditions.”
He highlights how easily warning signs are dismissed: “A change in bowel habits that doesn’t go away? It’s often brushed off as a simple digestive issue.”
“A small, painless lump in the breast? Many assume it’s benign because of their age. Unexplained fatigue or weight loss? It’s blamed on stress or lifestyle.”
The Silence Around Cancer
“There is still fear and stigma associated with the word ‘cancer’,” says Dr Anchan. “Patients don’t want to hear it, and understandably, doctors may hesitate to raise it too early.”
This silence can be dangerous. “Often, the conversation only happens when symptoms become too obvious to ignore and by then, the disease may already be advanced,” he warns.
What You Should Know
Dr Anchan is quick to clarify: “Not every lump, ache, or change in the body is cancer. In fact, most of these are benign and easily treatable.”
However, the overlap in early symptoms makes awareness crucial. “Cancer in its early stages often presents with very subtle, painless signs. That’s exactly why it can be overlooked,” he explains.
“Being aware doesn’t mean being anxious, it means being attentive,” he adds.
What Needs to Change
“Awareness is the first step,” says Dr. Anchan. He urges young individuals not to dismiss persistent symptoms. “If something lasts for more than a couple of weeks and doesn’t resolve completely, it deserves attention.”
Key warning signs to watch for include:
A small, painless lump or swelling
Persistent, unexplained pain or ache
Changes in bowel habits or appetite
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
Pain at rest in any part of the body
“These symptoms may seem minor, but if they are new and persistent, it’s important to consult a doctor and get them evaluated,” he advises.
“In most cases, the cause will be simple and treatable,” says Dr Anchan. “But occasionally, we may detect something significant and if caught early, that can make all the difference.”
Despite advances in medical science, one factor remains unchanged. “The best outcomes in cancer treatment still depend heavily on early detection and accurate diagnosis,” he concludes.
