Younger but more prepared

  

 All data from this post is courtesy of the American Cancer Society (ACS), including the image above and below.

 

 The ACS report showed younger adults to be the only age group with an increase in overall cancer incidence between 1995 and 2020 - the rate has risen by 1% to 2% each year during that time period.

 For anyone who wants to really geek out, check out this JAMA article on Breast Cancer Incidence Among US Women Aged 20 to 49 Years by Race, Stage, and Hormone Receptor Status. 

 So how do we get ahead of screenings, when the ages of recommended screenings are often in the 40's and 50's? Little known to many, if you have a family member with cancer, it is advised to start screening 10 or even 15 years before your family member's diagnosis:

 From a Yale Medicine article:

• But talking to a doctor about a family history of colorectal cancer could prompt a screening referral at a younger age. “If there is a family history of either cancer or polyps, we usually start colonoscopy screening 10 to 15 years before the family member who had it was diagnosed,” says Dr. Kortmansky. “So, if a first-degree relative was diagnosed with cancer at 45, you would start screening at 30.”
• Likewise, women who are at average risk for breast cancer may start mammography screening at age 40, according to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) recommendations updated in 2023. But women with a family history of breast cancer are generally advised to start when they are 10 years younger than the first-degree relative (a mother and/or sister) was at their time of diagnosis.

 But how do you get someone to listen to you to get your screening? 

• Know your family history
• Bring the facts
• Bring a supportive friend or family member
• Be relentless about your own health
• Ask questions

 And if they still say no? My favorite:

• Ask them what the risks vs. benefits are and reasoning is for not doing a screening, and listen for a valid response. If there isn't one, decide whether to push back or see another provider that is more aligned with your healthcare goals.

 Here are two perspectives to consider on how to align goals of care with your provider when going into a medical visit:

The Provider Perspective

https://www.acpdecisions.org/goals-of-care-conversations-a-best-practice-step-by-step-approach/

The Patient Perspective

https://www.prevention.com/health/a41974607/how-to-get-your-doctor-to-listen/

TL;DR

• Overall cancer incidence rate has risen by 1% to 2% each year between 1995-2020.
• It is important to get screenings when suggested, but if you have a family history, speak with your doctor about starting screenings 10-15 years before their diagnosis (e.g. mother with colon cancer at age 50, you would get your colonoscopy at 35-40).
• Be your own self-advocate to receive these screenings when you need them. See the links above on some suggestions.