Cancers Affecting Adolescents and Young Adults

January 14, 2025

In recent years, cancer diagnoses in people under the age of 40 have become more and more common. A study published in JAMA Network Open indicated that while cancers among older adults have declined, cancers among people younger than 50 have increased, with the largest increases among those aged 30 to 39. An estimated 85,980 adolescents and young adults (AYA) will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2023, according to the National Cancer Institute (NIH).

The cause of this increase is unclear, but experts believe it can be attributed to a number of factors, including rising obesity rates and lifestyle factors such as drinking alcohol, smoking, poor sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants and carcinogenic chemicals likely play a role.

The most common cancers in AYAs between the ages of 15 and 39 are breast cancer, thyroid cancer, testicular cancer, and melanoma. Other common cancers among this population include brain and other central nervous system tumors, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcomas. Fortunately, each of these disease sites can be treated successfully with proton therapy.

Dr. Matthew Ferris
Medical Director, Maryland Proton Treatment Center
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Treating AYA with Proton Therapy

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) revised its guidelines in 2022 to designate proton therapy as the recommended standard of care for the AYA population.

Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that targets solid tumors with pinpoint accuracy and delivers a maximum radiation dose that stops at the tumor site, sparing healthy tissue. This highly advanced technology is an effective, non-invasive treatment option ideal for localized, solid tumors near critical organs in the body for both adults and children with cancer. Due to the precise nature of proton therapy, it ultimately results in far fewer side effects, including secondary cancers caused by radiation.

Overall, survival rates continue to improve among AYAs with cancer, with average death rates falling 0.9% each year from 2011 to 2020. This is in part due to advances made in oncology, including cutting-edge treatment options such as proton therapy.

Advantages of Treating AYA with Proton Therapy

With so much life left to look forward to, it’s critical that AYAs with cancer know about beneficial and curative treatments. For those under 40 who have received a diagnosis, it’s recommended by oncology authorities such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) to have a consultation for proton radiation therapy. Being treated with protons lowers the chances of developing secondary cancers and prevents other treatment-related health complications – preserving quality of life now and in the future.

Why MPTC?

At the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC), patients have access to world-renowned physicians and receive a high-touch patient-centered experience, including access to services from an integrated care team (social worker, nutritionist, child life specialist), as well as concierge services that assist with lodging, transportation, and complimentary valet service.

MPTC was the first proton therapy center in the region and is the only proton therapy center in Maryland. We have treated over 5,000 patients, have received referrals from over 1,400 unique physicians, and have continuously exceeded industry standards in the areas of expertise, technology, patient experience, research, and diversity. Due to our unique cost neutrality program, our patients experience an insurance approval rate of greater than 90%.

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