India, Dec. 20 -- For many years, cancer was thought to affect mainly older people. Today, that belief is changing. More young adults, even those in their 20s and 30s, are being diagnosed with cancers once seen after 50. These include breast, colon, oral, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. This worrying trend is a clear warning that cannot be ignored. India has a young population, and today the cancer burden is also becoming younger. Over the past decade, cancer centres have seen more cases in people under 40. This is especially concerning because cancers in younger adults often grow faster and are diagnosed late, as symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for stress or minor health issues. Looking at what has changed over the last 20 to 30 years, lifestyle stands out as a major factor. Many people now have sedentary jobs, eat more ultra-processed foods, gain excess weight, consume high sugar diets, sleep poorly, misuse alcohol, and live with constant stress. Diet plays a quiet but powerful role. Many young people grow up eating packaged snacks, refined foods, and low-fibre meals. This increases the risk of early colon and stomach cancers. Poor diet and unnecessary antibiotic use also disturb gut health, weakening the body's natural defence against early cancer changes. In a country facing serious air pollution, environmental factors cannot be ignored. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and toxic air increases inflammation, weakens the immune system, and damages DNA. Lung cancer in young non-smokers is rising due to pollution. Indoor smoke from cooking fuels and poorly ventilated kitchens adds to this growing risk. Genetic factors, such as BRCA mutations or family history, do play a role, but they account for only a small proportion of early cancers. In many cases, an unhealthy environment triggers hidden risks earlier in life. These silent changes in gene activity are slowly changing how and when cancers appear. Many young adults ignore warning signs such as ongoing pain, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, a lasting cough, breast lumps, changes in bowel habits, or mouth ulcers. They believe they are too young to fall seriously ill. As a result, medical help is often delayed, making treatment more difficult. The increase in early-onset cancers is not a cause for panic, but it is a reason to take action. Making healthier lifestyle choices, avoiding tobacco in any form, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and having regular health check-ups can greatly reduce the risk. Cancer at a young age is no longer uncommon. Being aware of warning signs and choosing timely screening for early detection can save lives. Early diagnosis improves treatment results significantly. Staying aware and taking care of your health today helps build a healthier tomorrow....