RI Top Doctor Chan Discusses Increasing Cancer Rates for Those Under 50
RI Top Doctor Chan Discusses Increasing Cancer Rates for Those Under 50
“We have been making progress but cancer still remains one of the top causes of deaths here in the United States. It's currently number two behind cardiovascular diseases; we are seeing over two million new cases of cancer each year including over 7,000 cases in Rhode Island alone," said Dr. Philip Chan on GoLocal LIVE.
"The new data that's coming out is showing that we are seeing increased cases of cancer diagnoses specifically among people under 50 years of age and that is concerning,” he added.
Obesity As a Significant Factor
The causes vary but Dr. Chan said, “The thought is that a lot of it is due to modifiable lifestyle factors things such as obesity and weight.”
When asked about what is driving the adverse trend, Dr. Chan added, “It's probably due to lifestyle modifications. I think, as we know, rates of obesity and weight-related diseases have really been increasing over the past couple of decades, and that is a significant risk factor for things like cancer.”
While smoking rates have decreased, Dr. Chan said smoking continues to be another leading factor.
Increases in Breast and Colon Cancers
“We are seeing an increase, especially among folks under 50, cancers related to the breast and the colon, so the GI tract, those are really the two that we are most worried about and most common, especially people under 50," said Dr. Chan.
Sloan Kettering reports that “This trend is especially worrying in women, according to statistics released in January 2025 by the American Cancer Society, which found that cancer incidence rates in women under 50 are now 82% higher than their male counterparts, up from 51% in 2002.”
Primary Care and Screenings Critical
Dr. Chan said, “One of the most important things that happens in primary care is cancer prevention and cancer screening. So just reminding everyone out there, certainly in my opinion. everyone should have a primary care doctor and certainly as you get into your 40s and 50s you should really make it a point to get checked out by a primary care physician annually for screening for things like breast cancer screening for things like colon cancer screening.”
To get guidance on cancer screening, CLICK HERE.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE
Finding a Primary Care Physician
It has been well documented that Rhode Island has a significant shortage of primary care physicians.
The closure of Anchor Medical and cutbacks at Thundermist and Providence Community Healthcare Centers do not make access any easier.
However, Dr. Chan is hopeful things will improve, and some practices are accepting new patients.
“I’m optimistic that we will see some increased primary care access in the near future. I know there's a lot of great efforts by the state,” said Dr. Chan.
He added, “ I would really just encourage people to call around to different practices to see who's available there are some folks out there some practices accepting new patients."
The Rhode Island Department of Health also has a resource: CLICK HERE.