Today, Explained: Yung Cancer
Vox Media Podcast Network
Release Date: April 2, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Yung Cancer," Today, Explained delves into the alarming rise of cancer diagnoses among younger populations. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King explore the underlying reasons for this trend and examine how young individuals are coping with their diagnoses. The episode features insights from Vox producer Victoria Chamberlain, writer Dylan Scott, and cancer survivor Kate Zickel, providing a comprehensive look into this pressing health issue.

Changing Landscape of Cancer Support

Victoria Chamberlain shares her experience attending a virtual support group for young adults battling cancer. Transitioning from in-person meetings to Zoom during the pandemic has broadened access, allowing individuals from across the country to connect, especially those who are immune-compromised.

“I hit up a zoom with a whole bunch of 30 to 40 year olds who are in the thick of cancer diagnosis and survivorship.”
[00:45] Victoria Chamberlain

The support group, organized by the nonprofit Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in D.C., emphasizes therapeutic art, poetry, and dynamic conversations about living with cancer. Victoria highlights the unique challenges millennials face compared to older adults, such as balancing career growth and parenting while undergoing treatment.

“Trying to maintain normalcy for him [her child]. When you're in your late 20s and 30s, your career is just starting to take off and then you get a cancer diagnosis and that can just kind of hit the pause button on the whole thing.”
[03:11] Victoria Chamberlain

Rising Cancer Rates Among the Young

Dylan Scott, a writer for Vox, provides data-driven insights into the increasing incidence of cancer among individuals under 55. Citing studies, Dylan reveals that cancers like colorectal and breast cancer are on the rise in younger demographics.

“One in five new colorectal cancer patients in the US is under 55, which is twice the rate that we saw in 1995.”
[07:37] Dylan Scott

He discusses potential factors contributing to this surge, including changes in diet, increased consumption of processed foods, exposure to microplastics, and lifestyle factors such as poor sleep and lack of exercise. Dylan underscores the complexity of these causes, suggesting it's an "alchemy of all these things."

“It's a combination of we're eating worse, we're getting exposed to this stuff in our environment, we're still drinking a lot, we're not getting enough sleep, we're probably not exercising enough either.”
[09:24] Dylan Scott

Understanding the Causes

Delving deeper, Dylan explains that environmental and dietary changes over the decades correlate with the rise in cancer rates. He references a study from New Zealand that links the proliferation of microplastics to increased cancer incidents, particularly in the digestive tract areas.

“If you eat more deep fried fruits, if you eat more processed foods... you are more likely to develop cancer.”
[09:46] Dylan Scott

This section highlights the need for further research to understand the precise mechanisms behind these trends and emphasizes the urgency of addressing lifestyle and environmental factors.

Advances in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment

Shifting to a more hopeful tone, Dylan discusses recent advancements in cancer diagnostics and therapies that offer better outcomes for young patients. Innovations such as home-administered tests for early detection and immunotherapies that train the body's immune system to fight cancer are revolutionizing treatment protocols.

“A lot of the improvements that we have seen to like, cancer prognoses... has been because we're developing these immunotherapies that are teaching the body how to fight the cancer by itself.”
[16:40] Dylan Scott

He also emphasizes the importance of genetic sequencing in identifying specific cancer types, allowing for more targeted and effective treatments. These advancements hold promise for improving survival rates and quality of life for young cancer patients.

Personal Journey of a Cancer Survivor

Kate Zickel, a 29-year-old cancer survivor, shares her personal battle with breast cancer and her ongoing fight with metastatic disease. Diagnosed at a young age with no family history, Kate's story underscores the unpredictable nature of cancer and the critical role of medical advancements in her survival.

“Were it not for the advances in medical technology that have happened just in the last five to 10 years, I may not be here.”
[19:37] Kate Zickel

Kate details her treatment journey, including chemotherapy, radiation, double mastectomy, and reconstruction surgery. Her recurrence at stage 4 metastatic disease highlighted the persistent threat of cancer despite initial remission. She passionately advocates for continued funding and participation in clinical trials, stressing their life-saving importance.

“Without these trials, people will die. Without these trials, people will not live as long as they could with them.”
[25:27] Kate Zickel

Kate also addresses misconceptions about cancer appearances, noting that modern treatments can allow patients to maintain a normal appearance, which can be both a blessing and a challenge in conveying their true condition to others.

“People tend to have a very specific idea in mind when they think of cancer patients. And because cancer treatments have changed so drastically... we can be in treatment and look great.”
[22:30] Kate Zickel

Conclusion: Hope Amidst Challenges

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the strides made in cancer research and treatment. Hosts encourage listeners to stay informed, advocate for continued research funding, and support advancements that can make a tangible difference in the lives of young cancer patients.

“The goal here is to beat the clock where, as a survivor now who's on treatment, My goal is to make the current treatment I'm on last as long as possible... so that the longer we live.”
[16:40] Kate Zickel

Today, Explained effectively highlights the growing concern of cancer in younger populations while balancing the discussion with inspiring stories of resilience and medical progress. The episode serves as a crucial reminder of the evolving landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment, urging collective action to support those affected.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Cancer does not care what age you are.”
  [04:09] Dylan Scott

• “Know your own body. Know what your normal feels like.”
  [23:26] Kate Zickel

• “We are desperate for [clinical] trials. We are dying without them.”
  [25:42] Kate Zickel

Credits

Today, Explained is produced by Victoria Chamberlain with contributions from Dylan Scott, Amina Al Saadi, Laura Bullard, Andrea Christen's daughter, and Patrick Boyd. Special thanks to all participants who shared their stories and expertise.