Amidst concern for the Princess of Wales and trepidation about the frequency of cancer among women in their 40’s, A Woman’s Journey spoke with Hopkins specialists.

The incidence (number of newly diagnosed cases) of cancer among younger adults is growing. Scientists do not know why. With rising obesity in the United States, however, particular attention is focused on life style. There is evidence that increased fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy fats including olive oil and avocado, and a diet rich in fish, poultry and dairy rather than consumption of red meat, highly processed foods, refined flour and sugar that are known to promote poor health. And, along with diet come recommendations for smoking cessation, limited alcohol consumption, diverse and consistent resistant and aerobic exercise, a good night’s sleep, and stress reduction.

Routine screening tests include mammograms, PAP smears, colonoscopies or Cologuard and PSAs for the men in your life, are available for breast, cervical, colon and prostate cancers respectively. During the past decade, The American Cancer Society and other organizations have lowered the recommended age to begin screening for those who are at average risk for disease. Mammograms are now recommended for women at 40, colonoscopies for adults at 45. Unfortunately, however, there are not approved routine screening tests for other types of cancer.

At Johns Hopkins and other institutions, ongoing research is demonstrating the effectiveness and sensitivity of new strategies to identify brain, pancreatic and other cancers in their nascent stages. Liquid biopsies are being developed to detect circulating tumor cells in your blood or other fluids. Artificial intelligence also is being used to augment interpretation by breast-imaging radiologists and other specialists. And, geneticists continue to identify new genetic mutations that can predispose someone to a cancer.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the outcome. In her 2022 presentation at A Woman’s Journey, physician scientist and medical oncologist, Neeha Zaidi, M.D. reported that only 14 percent of cancers are picked up by routine screening. That is why we also play a critical role in early detection. Dr. Zaidi advises that in addition to smoking cessation, you follow-up with your primary care physician or internist if you notice symptoms that are not your norm: new lumps, changes in your bowels, yellow discoloration in your eyes, abnormal rashes, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, nausea, sudden and late onset of diabetes, and changes in the retina. Be proactive. Be your own advocate. And, pursue further screening or imaging if you are not receiving timely answers.

This has long been the message of A Woman’s Journey. We look forward to continuing to inform you as new research findings emerge.