According to recent data from multiple health organizations, younger individuals are experiencing an alarming increase in cancer diagnoses, challenging the notion that cancer mainly affects older adults. While overall cancer mortality rates in the United States have declined since the early 1990s, the American Cancer Society has reported a rise in cancer rates among younger people, particularly in colorectal and breast cancers. This trend is particularly prominent in Orange County, where youth cancer rates have surged over the past five years, surpassing other major counties in Southern California.

The data from the National Cancer Institute reveals that cancer is impacting people age 50 and younger at a higher frequency in Orange County compared to other regions. The rate of cancer diagnoses in this demographic stands at 98.3 out of every 100,000 people, exceeding neighboring counties such as San Diego (95), San Bernardino (93.1), Riverside (90.3), and Los Angeles (89.6). However, it is important to note that Orange County's youth cancer diagnosis rate remains below the national average of 105.2 per 100,000.

Unfortunately, behind each statistic lies an individual fighting for their life. Every year, around 12,800 individuals age 50 and younger in the five-county Southern California region receive a cancer diagnosis, with approximately 2,000 of them residing in Orange County. One such individual is Brandon Arbini, a 41-year-old Costa Mesa resident who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2021.

Arbini's diagnosis came as a surprise since he exhibited no obvious symptoms associated with cancer. Moreover, he maintained a healthy lifestyle, did not smoke or drink, and had no family history of the disease. Arbini's doctor initially did not express major concern based on his symptoms, but to be cautious, recommended a colonoscopy, even though it is not typically performed until the age of 50. The results were devastating – a large tumor was detected, and the cancer had metastasized to his liver and lymph nodes.

This life-altering diagnosis left Arbini questioning his future, particularly his ability to witness his children grow up and celebrate future anniversaries with his wife. While cancer risk does increase with age due to various factors such as cellular changes and accumulated exposures, the rise of cancer among younger individuals is reshaping the way the disease is approached and treated.

The American Cancer Society's report highlights an increase in the death rate from colorectal cancer among men below the age of 50, as well as a rise in breast cancer incidence among younger women. Consequently, initiatives are being taken to modify cancer screening recommendations. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended initial age for colon cancer screening from 50 to 45, and in 2023, the recommended initial age for mammograms was lowered from 50 to 40.

Experts, however, are still attempting to unravel the reasons behind the surge in cancer among younger individuals. It is unclear whether lifestyle choices, environmental factors, genetics, or a combination thereof are responsible for this increase. Physicians and researchers emphasize the need for clinical trials and extensive research to better understand and identify potential causes.

City of Hope Orange County's physician-in-chief, Ed Kim, acknowledges the absence of clear patterns in terms of symptoms or lifestyle tendencies among younger cancer patients. Presenting with nonspecific symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or low-grade pain, these individuals are defying the traditional perception that cancer predominantly affects older adults.

The rising rates of cancer among younger people have prompted increased vigilance and awareness. Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, has observed a significant rise in referrals from individuals between the ages of 40 and 50, highlighting the growing recognition of the importance of their health, particularly for parents concerned about their children's well-being.

While adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, abstaining from smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption, can help reduce cancer risk, it is no longer considered a foolproof preventive measure. Regular screenings and early detection hold much promise in saving lives and unraveling the underlying reasons for the surge in cancer rates among younger individuals.

In response, City of Hope has launched various research trials and screening programs, striving to increase inclusivity and accessibility across a broader population. They have also introduced a mobile cancer prevention and screening program, equipped with state-of-the-art mammography technology, to better serve Orange and Los Angeles counties. These efforts aim to detect cancer early and gather essential medical and genomic information to aid in understanding the rising cancer rates among younger individuals.

For Brandon Arbini, now 44, his journey towards being cancer-free has involved surgery and rigorous rounds of chemotherapy. Reflecting on his experience, Arbini stresses the importance of early screenings, expressing his hope that sharing his story will encourage others within his age group to prioritize their health and undergo regular screenings.

The increasing prevalence of cancer among younger individuals in Orange County demands attention and underscores the need for continued research, screening programs, public education, and proactive healthcare measures.