Cancer Care for Young Adults: A Growing Concern

The number of young people getting gastrointestinal cancers is rising fast in the US and worldwide. But what's behind this trend? Experts think it might have something to do with the way people live and the things they're exposed to in their environment. Young patients with GI cancers face some tough challenges. They often get diagnosed late, and their cancers are more aggressive than those in older people. They also get more intense treatment, but it's not clear if it really helps. On top of the medical issues, young patients with cancer often struggle with emotional and financial problems. They might worry about their relationships, fertility, and career goals. But doctors and hospitals often don't do enough to help them.