With cancer among younger people receiving increasing attention, HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Ankit Jain, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, to understand why cancer can occur in young adults, which warning signs should not be ignored, the common myths surrounding the disease and why early diagnosis matters. (Also read: Beyond 10,000 steps a day: Metabolic health coach shares 5 lifestyle habits that can make a difference ) Cancer is often associated with older age, but it can also affect young adults, sometimes making the early signs easier to overlook or mistake for everyday health concerns.
“One of the reasons cancer can go undetected in younger adults is that neither patients nor those around them may initially consider it a possibility. Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss or recurring discomfort are often attributed to stress, poor sleep or hectic schedules. However, when there is no clear explanation for them, or when they persist despite routine care, it is important to consult a healthcare professional rather than continue to ignore them,” explains Dr Jain.
“These symptoms should not automatically be interpreted as signs of cancer, as many can occur due to non-cancerous conditions.
symptoms that persist or repeatedly return should be medically evaluated,” says Dr Jain While these explanations may be correct in many cases.
Dr Jain also stresses the importance of understanding one’s usual health patterns. “Prevention is not limited to following a particular diet or exercise routine. It also involves being aware of changes in your health, understanding your family history and following appropriate preventive recommendations. If something feels unusual and continues over time, seeking medical advice is a sensible step,” he adds. “Not every persistent symptom is a sign of cancer, and there is no need to panic over every minor change in the body. At the same time, symptoms that continue, recur frequently or progressively worsen should not be dismissed as stress without proper evaluation.
The aim is to identify the cause early and ensure that patients receive appropriate care,” says Dr Jain.
