The Rise of Cancer in Young Adults—and What's Giving Experts Hope

Cancer has long been associated with aging, but in recent years, doctors have seen an alarming rise in colorectal cancer and other cancers among younger adults. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Dorna Jafari, chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, about what may be contributing to this growing public health concern. Dr. Jafari explains that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in people under age 50 and discusses the "birth cohort effect" researchers have identified among people born after 1960. She explores several factors that may be influencing cancer risk, including changes in diet, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, disruptions to the gut microbiome, antibiotic exposure, and the growing presence of microplastics in the environment. The conversation also focuses on prevention. Dr. Jafari shares practical steps people can take to support a healthy microbiome and reduce cancer risk, including increasing fiber intake, staying physically active, limiting sugary beverages, and making realistic lifestyle changes over time. Finally, she discusses the exciting advances changing the future of oncology. From targeted cancer therapies and immunotherapy to AI-assisted diagnosis and improved screening tools, Dr. Jafari explains why cancer outcomes continue to improve and why early detection remains one of the most powerful tools available—especially when it comes to colorectal cancer screening. Chapters 00:00 – Why Are More Young People Getting Cancer? Understanding the rise of early-onset cancers and why colorectal cancer rates are increasing in adults under 50 03:15 – Diet, Microbiome, and Environmental Risks How ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, antibiotics, and microplastics may influence cancer risk 07:20 – New Advances in Cancer Treatment The shift toward targeted therapies, immunotherapy, AI, and personalized cancer care 10:15 – Screening, Prevention, and Living Healthier Why colonoscopies remain the gold standard and the lifestyle habits that can help lower risk Key Topics Covered Early-onset colorectal cancer Rising cancer rates in young adults Colorectal cancer mortality trends Ultra-processed foods and cancer risk Sugar-sweetened beverages Gut microbiome health Antibiotic exposure and cancer Microplastics and potential health effects Fiber and digestive health Cancer prevention strategies Targeted cancer therapies Immunotherapy Artificial intelligence in oncology Colonoscopy screening Blood-based cancer screening tests Fertility preservation during cancer treatment Holistic cancer care Cancer survivorship and outcomes Key Takeaway While cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, there are meaningful steps people can take to reduce their risk. Prioritizing screening, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber, limiting ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, staying active, and paying attention to symptoms can make a difference. At the same time, advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and AI-driven diagnostics are helping improve outcomes and offering new hope for the future of cancer care. Doctor Bio Dr. Mehraneh Dorna Jafari is chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and associate professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is the director of clinical research in the department of surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She is board-certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery. Dr. Jafari specializes in the comprehensive care of colorectal cancer patients, patients with peritoneal surface disease as well as those patients with benign colorectal disease. Dr Jafari works with a world-renowned group of multidisciplinary specialists to help promote a patient centered treatment plan for her patients, including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists. Her goal is to provide precision medicine to patients that is safe and effective. Dr. Jafari has expertise in minimal access techniques, including laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. In addition, she has special interests in sphincter preserving surgery (helping rectal cancer patients avoid a permanent ostomy), maintain