{
  "id": 57691,
  "title": "Why cancer in young adults is rising – and why their needs are different",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/why-cancer-in-young-adults-is-rising-and-why-their-needs-are-different",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-02T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/why-cancer-in-young-adults-is-rising-and-why-their-needs-are-different"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cancer diagnoses among young adults are on the rise globally, including in Singapore. This trend is prompting a new focus on adolescent and young adult oncology, as cancer's impact on this age group differs from older patients. Researchers are investigating the causes, which include obesity, sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, stress, sleep issues, and chemical exposures. While some cancers are increasing, others are not. The biological differences between early-onset and later-onset cancers remain unclear, but younger patients often have inherited genetic mutations that prompt genetic counselling and precision oncology. The practical, psychological, and financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis during young adulthood are significant. Survivors may face long-term side effects and disruptions to their education, careers, relationships, and family life. Singapore's healthcare system is responding with multidisciplinary care, including fertility specialists, genetic counsellors, and survivorship teams to address the unique needs of younger patients.",
  "summary": "A growing field dedicated to their unique medical and life-stage needs has emerged.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}