Health Officials Express Concern Over Sharp Rise in Cancer Cases Among Young People in Florida
By Luke Andrews, Health Reporter for DailyMail.com
Health officials in Florida have expressed concern over a sharp rise in cancer cases among young people. According to figures from the Florida Cancer Connect Collaborative, rates for all cancer diagnoses jumped 15 percent among individuals in their 20s and 30s between 2010 and 2020, which is three times faster than the national average.
Doctors have observed a faster rise in cancer rates in women compared to men. They warn that patients are often being diagnosed at later stages when their disease is more advanced and harder to treat.
While researchers cannot definitively explain the increase, factors such as modern diets, antibiotic use, and fungal infections have been suggested. However, these factors do not account for the rapid rise in cancer rates seen in Florida.
The Florida Cancer Connect Collaborative has provided a map that highlights the areas around Miami as having the highest rates of cancer diagnoses in the state.
Among the young women diagnosed with breast cancer in Florida was Domenica Fuller, a 29-year-old from Miami. She received her diagnosis of stage three breast cancer while preparing for her wedding. Despite going through chemotherapy, she was able to get married and has since been declared in remission.
Another patient, Madeline Mordarski from Bradenton near Tampa, was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer just a week after her 32nd birthday. She underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, and she is now in remission. Madeline has shared that her experience with cancer has influenced her approach to dating, as it serves as a vetting system for potential partners.
The rise in cancer cases among young adults in Florida is particularly true for breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in this age group and the leading cause of cancer deaths. Other cancers, such as colon cancer and leukemia, are also increasing at a faster rate.
Oncologist Dr. Mohamedtaki Tejani warns that younger patients are now presenting with more advanced disease because they are not vigilant about their health and often overlook potential symptoms.
Amy Dowden, a 33-year-old professional dancer from the UK and a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, was also diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump on her breast during her honeymoon. She has been documenting her treatment journey and using her platform to raise awareness.
The rate of cancer diagnoses among young adults in Florida has steadily increased from 79.4 cases per 100,000 people in 2010 to 91.9 cases per 100,000 people in 2020. While the rate has remained stable for men under 50, there has been an 11 percent increase in the rate of diagnoses for women under 50.
The most common cancer types among young adults in Florida are breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma of the skin, testicular cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Leukemia, brain cancer, colon cancer, and cervical cancer are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in this age group.
Florida Republican senators are pushing for a bill that would require health insurance companies to cover annual skin cancer screenings in the state. The bill aims to eliminate deductibles, co-payments, and other costs for patients undergoing screenings. The First Lady of Florida, Casey DeSantis, who battled breast cancer herself in 2021, has established the Florida Cancer Connect Collaborative to collect and analyze data on cancer and improve treatment.
Cancer can affect anyone, and it is important to be proactive about monitoring our health. Performing regular self-breast exams and attending routine screenings can help detect cancer early, giving individuals a better chance at successful treatment.
Sources:
DailyMail
Orlando Sentinel
University of Nottingham
