Cancer rates are rising among young people. Here are 6 ways to lower your risk and stay prepared.

"We've spent the past year digging into this - talking with dozens of patients, caregivers, doctors, researchers, and economists to understand what's happening, what it's costing people, and what can actually help. Scroll down to explore our reporting project, The True Cost of Young Cancer. Our video and six stories delve into the most pressing aspects of this trend, from the unique financial challenges to the patchwork of fertility laws that young patients face."

"Standard advice still focuses on personal habits - eat better, move more - but the science shows it's not just about lifestyle. What you should know: Poor diet, drinking a lot of alcohol, smoking, and weight gain can increase your cancer risk. However, research shows that there are environmental factors we can't easily control, including shifting gut bacteria, air pollution, and artificial light."

More Americans in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are being diagnosed with cancer, often while juggling careers, young families, and strained finances. Lifestyle factors—poor diet, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and weight gain—increase risk, but environmental exposures such as shifting gut bacteria, air pollution, and artificial light also play significant roles. Systemic gaps, including screening focused on older adults and limited research funding for young-onset cancers, shape who gets diagnosed and when. Young patients face unique financial burdens and fertility challenges. Prevention requires realistic strategies that combine modifiable behavior changes, financial planning, and attention to fertility preservation within an imperfect healthcare system.

Read at Business Insider