ORLANDO, Fla. – Recent studies are showing higher rates of cancer diagnosis in younger people, especially women.
New research out from the American Cancer Society shows more women than men under the age of 50 are being diagnosed.
While mortality rates from cancer are declining, there are still alarming racial disparities with minority groups at double, sometimes triple times, higher risks of dying from cancer than White patients.
Tuesday morning on Breakfast With Bridgett, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, surgical oncologist with Orlando Health, joined the conversation.
Research points to age, gender, poverty, access to quality care, comorbidities, genetic markers and lifestyle as various factors for different types of cancer.
Doctors can now test for dozens of genetic markers to help people identify some potential risk factors.
He emphasizes knowing family history, prioritizing healthy diet, exercise and sleep as ways to take a preventative approach against cancer.
He says when it comes to health care, it’s also important that everyone advocates for tests and exams they think they may need.
For a closer look at the study, click here.
Watch the full interview at the top of this story.
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