Silent threats: What young adults can learn from celebrity health stories

Social media channels are filled with sad stories about actors, musicians, athletes and other celebrities who have died at a young age or suffered bouts with serious illnesses, especially types of cancer of which they were previously unaware. The comment sections of such posts are filled with a familiar refrain: "Our thoughts and prayers go to their families."

"I wish that younger adults, who see in their social channels the heart-wrenching stories about people their age, would also visit their own health care provider regularly to talk about - and screen as appropriate - for these illnesses," said Mark Brown, MD, senior medical director, Excellus BCBS. "Personally, the death of actor Chadwick Boseman at 43 hit me strongly. We were close in age when he was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 39 - six years younger than the current screening recommendation. Turning empathy into personal awareness and intentional action could save lives."

"For example, amongst our Health Plan members, we're seeing that only about 52 percent of those between 46 to 50 are being screened for colorectal cancer. Also, almost 30 percent of our members between the ages of 40-50 do not get screened for breast cancer. Screening numbers improve as the members age, but vital time and better health outcomes are being lost because more are not seeking screenings sooner."

What to check for and when

Overall, it is recommended that adults aged 22 to 49 have routine physicals with their primary care provider (PCP) every 1-2 years, then annually starting at age 50. Check with your insurance plan on coverage for screenings and preventive care wellness visits.

The most common types of illness with suggested screenings are cancers found in adults age 40 and above (breast cancer, cervical, colorectal, and skin cancer). Research and health outcome data reviewed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) prompted them over the last few years to lower some of the suggested screening ages.

• Breast Cancer Screening - Get a mammogram starting at age 40 or sooner if recommended by your health care provider.
• Cervical Cancer Screening - Anyone with a cervix should start getting Pap tests at age 21 and continue every three years if results are normal.
• Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Screening - Start screening at age 45 or sooner if recommended by your health care provider.
• Skin Cancer - This is the most common cancer in the United States, yet many people forget this silent disease and should talk to their provider about options - especially if they are at higher risk.

Talk to your health care provider about what screenings are appropriate for you and options available based on your health history and risk factors.

Are these cancers treatable?

Mostly, the answer is YES! Catching an illness early is vital.

• Breast Cancer - Breast cancers found during screening exams are more likely to be smaller and less likely to have spread outside the breast, enabling easier, more successful treatment.
• Cervical Cancer - Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent or find cervical cancer, and when found early, is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
• Colorectal Cancer - Precancerous polyps can be removed before turning into cancer or can be treated if they are cancerous but still found in early stages.
• Skin Cancer - Early detection can also lead to less invasive treatments and potentially better outcomes for skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

What to do

If you have questions about these or other illnesses, you should always start with your primary care provider. More information is available from the American Cancer Society or the Centers for Disease Control, or go to our website.

Contact:Michelle Kraft [email protected]