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What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future

Why Are More Young People Getting Cancer?

Aug 2, 2024
Dylan Scott, a senior correspondent and editor for Vox, delves into the concerning rise of cancer among younger individuals. The conversation highlights new blood tests like the FDA-approved Shield Blood Test, which promises improved early detection. Scott discusses how lifestyle factors, including processed diets and environmental pollutants, contribute to this alarming trend. He advocates for a shift in screening practices and emphasizes the need to address broader societal factors, rather than just individual choices, in combating cancer.
29:06

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Younger individuals are experiencing a worrisome rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses, prompting discussions about revising screening age recommendations.
  • Innovative testing methods like the Shield Blood Test offer a less invasive alternative for detecting colorectal cancer but are less effective for early-stage detection.

Deep dives

Understanding Colonoscopy and Its Preparation

Colonoscopy is a critical screening method for detecting colorectal cancer, recommended to start at age 45. The preparation for this procedure can be quite uncomfortable, requiring individuals to follow a strict cleansing diet and possibly ingest an oral laxative. During the procedure, a doctor uses a telescope-like instrument to examine the colon for any abnormal growths that could indicate cancer. Despite its invasiveness and discomfort, colonoscopy remains the most accurate detection method currently available.

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