Medical Minute: Cancer in Young Patients

Across the country, and right here in central Ohio, doctors are seeing a troubling trend: cancer rates among younger patients are on the rise. 

“We are seeing it in our practice … and also nationally,” said Vijay Kudithipudi, MD, a radiation oncologist with OhioHealth. “Why is this happening? Many doctors don’t know, but we have some good ideas.”

Our daily habits could be a driving force. Not smoking, reducing alcohol intake and getting regular movement can all help lower your lifetime cancer risk. 

“If you can get 10 to 20 minutes of what we call moderate activity, which is walking, playing with your kids, things like that, that has been shown to reduce the rate of cancer occurrence,” Dr. Kudithipudi said.

So can swapping out processed foods for more fruits and vegetables, and making an effort to schedule regular health screenings.

“Screening is fundamental,” Dr. Kudithipudi said. “The goal is to catch something before it causes a problem.”

The “big four” cancers - breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal - are especially important to screen for and each have effective early detection options available. And while these screenings are typically emphasized for older adults, physicians want younger people to start paying attention, too, especially when symptoms appear.

For many, the first step is building a solid care team. A primary care physician can help connect you with specialists and guide you to care.

“It can be scary to hear that word [cancer] or even the thought of that word,”  Dr. Kudithipudi said. “But whether close to home or if it needs to be somewhere further away, we can get you the care you need.”

In addition to his work in the Columbus area, Dr. Kudithipudi also provides care in Marion and is expanding his services to Cambridge. 

To schedule a screening appointment or to learn more, call 1 (800) 752-9119 or visit ohiohealth.com/services/cancer/schedule-a-screening.