Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content

Cancer Prevention During Early Adulthood

Many factors in early adulthood can influence a person's long-term cancer risk. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/early-adulthood.

CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control sponsored a supplemental issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine about reducing cancer risk during early adulthood. The authors, experts from many different professions, show the importance of working together to find effective ways to protect young adults from cancer.

Early adulthood is a time of many life changes, such as leaving home, getting a full-time job, and becoming a parent, each with challenges and stresses. It is also a unique opportunity to set a course for a long, healthy life. Research shows that people can do several things to lower their long-term cancer risk during this time of life, including—

Promoting healthy behaviors.

Reducing use of harmful products.

Public health professionals can use evidence-based strategies (proven ways) to address many of these risks at the community level. These papers also describe ways to counter the marketing of harmful products and social norms that promote unhealthy behaviors, the role of health care providers, and ideas for how other people in the community can help.

Articles in Supplement

Introduction and Background

Cancer Risk During Early Adulthood

Taking Public Health Action to Prevent Cancer

TOP