(NewsNation) — High-profile cancer cases, such as King Charles’ recent diagnosis and country music star Toby Keith’s stomach cancer death, are influencing more people to get themselves screened.
While a new study coming out of the United Kingdom found that overall cancer mortality rates are down, it warns of the increase in cancer rates among younger adults.
Doctors have been advocating for early cancer screenings for adults, especially since some cancers can go undetected without initial symptoms.
Some of these most common forms of cancer are most likely to go undetected, meaning people may not realize anything is wrong with them, Medical News Today reported.
In 2023, breast, lung, prostate and colorectal cancers accounted for almost 50% of new cancer cases in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute. Lung, colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancers accounted for nearly half of all cancer deaths, the data found.
NewsNation medical contributor and board-certified cardiologist Dr. Dave Montgomery said it’s a concerning trend that has medical professionals advising adults younger than 50 to make cancer screenings a priority.
“We’ve got to make cancer screening a priority. Remember, this is not gloom or doom,” Montgomery said. “If we get to these things early enough, then there’s a lot of hope that we can reverse the trend.”
Montgomery said it’s important people remain proactive and be their best advocates.
Plus, there’s nothing wrong with being proactive, especially with trying to use at-home testing kits like Cologuard or certain blood tests. However, doctors say it’s important to follow up with a physician no matter what.
Dr. Thomas Marron, the director of the Early Phase Trials Unit (EPTU) at The Tisch Cancer Institute, says in the next 5-10 years, cancer will likely be detectable by blood tests.
Plus, some of the do-it-yourself tests can cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket.
“While we’re not being alarmist, using some of these home kits actually shows that you may be somewhat more invested in your health than others. And there’s really nothing wrong with that. We just want to caution you that whatever those results are, make sure that you follow up with your physician,” Dr. Jayne Morgan said.
A recent study published in the National Library of Medicine found cancer mortality rates have declined significantly in the United States since 1991 thanks in part to expanded screenings.
“The earlier we identify cancers, the easier they are to cure,” Marron said.