ATLANTA — As Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, announced her own cancer diagnosis Friday, she offered her support to others in similar situations.
"At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer," she said. "For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."
A new study from the American Cancer Society suggests that's increasingly true. While cancer deaths are falling, its 2024 report found new cases are on the rise.
They increased from 1.9 million in 2022 to more than 2 million in 2023.
"Coming out of the pandemic, screening procedures for cancers may have fallen off people's calendars," said Dr. Kristin Higgins, a radiation oncologist and chief clinical officer with the City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. "Things like yearly mammography, colonoscopies, and pap smears are really important for cancer prevention."
She said researchers are trying to figure out why cancer cases are increasing, particularly among younger adults.
"This is something that we're seeing across the board, across all different tumor types," Dr. Higgins said. "We don't really understand yet why this is happening, whether it's something that has to do with people's environment or, perhaps, a genetic predisposition to develop cancer."
She said it's important to listen to your body, especially if you notice unusual symptoms.
"Things to look for would be changes in your weight, sudden weight loss, any pain that does not go away, coughing, any changes in your bowel habits and any abnormal bleeding would be important triggers that you would want to call your doctor about," she said. "Sometimes, as our lives get busier, many times we do take our health for granted, and we're not plugged in with a primary care physician that can really remind you about the screening that you need to participate in."