Cancer for young women is on the rise

Cancer, Rising

The Story

Millennial women are pushing up cancer rates.

What is going on?

Yesterday, a study found that cases of cancer for people in their 30s went up by almost 20% since 2010. Researchers looked at data from more than 560,000 patients. For some age groups, cancer rates went down or grew slightly. Not so for young women: breast cancer was responsible for the most new cancers. Cancers affecting the digestive system (like colon cancer) are catching up — with the fastest growth rate. In all, cancers for women under 50 increased by more than 4% from 2010 to 2019. Meanwhile, new cases for men dropped nearly 5%.

Why is this happening?

It’s not clear. Experts say obesity, drinking, and not getting enough exercise could be to blame. Others say environmental factors (like exposure to pollution and toxins) could play a role. The study reportedly didn’t say what stage each cancer was caught so it’s unclear whether cancer is popping up earlier or if cancer is being diagnosed at an earlier point of the disease. What’s clear is that doctors are seeing more and more cases each year and that young women are especially at risk — especially those who are Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or Asian.

theSkimm

Over 600,000 people die from cancer in the US every year. Cancer in young Americans is still relatively low, but the rise in cases has researchers saying more data is needed to understand the uptick.

What’s heading to the Supreme Court…

The abortion pill. Yesterday, a federal appeals court ruled to roll back mail-order access to mifepristone. Since 2016, the FDA has made the abortion pill increasingly accessible, including by allowing healthcare providers to prescribe it remotely. The drug has since become the most common form of abortion in the US. Now, the appeals court has ruled that the ‘mail’ part should end. It also said to reverse other FDA actions, like decisions on who can prescribe it and when. The court said the agency failed to consider safety concerns by loosening the restrictions. Still, there is no precedent for a court overriding the FDA’s authority. No changes will go into effect just yet. But the ruling means SCOTUS could soon weigh in, right as election season picks up.

Whose efforts might’ve gone too far…

Rep. George Santos’ (R-NY) campaign aide’s. Yesterday, Samuel Miele was arraigned in a New York federal court for alleged wire fraud and identity theft. According to the indictment, Miele impersonated a “high-ranking aide to a member of the House with leadership responsibilities” to raise money for Santos in 2021. (Rumor has it, it was House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) former chief of staff.) Miele allegedly sent more than a dozen requests and received a 15% cut from the contributions. Miele’s arraignment comes three months after the Justice Dept charged Santos with wire fraud, theft of public funds, money laundering, and making false statements. Miele has pleaded not guilty and was released on bond.

Who's in hot water…

Bradley Cooper. The actor is being criticized for using a prosthetic nose in the upcoming Netflix movie, “Maestro.” Cooper, who stars in, directed, and co-wrote the film, plays Jewish conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein. Critics are saying the prosthetic nose evokes antisemitic stereotypes and are accusing Cooper — who isn’t Jewish — of Jewface. Bernstein’s children defended Cooper and said that he “chose to use makeup to amplify his resemblance” and they’re “perfectly fine with that.” Cooper and Netflix haven’t commented.

What’s on the final countdown…

The Women’s World Cup. Yesterday, England advanced to the finals after knocking host country Australia out 3-1. The English will face off against the Spanish Sunday at 6 am ET. It’s the first time either team has made it to the finals. Game on.

Who’s mothering…

Keke Palmer in Usher’s new video.

Who’s reportedly getting a divorce…

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari.

Who's putting *those* rumors to bed...

Bobbi Althoff.