Cancer prevention and early detection remain key strategies in reducing cancer mortality, according to recent information shared by RWJBarnabas Health. The organization highlights the importance of routine doctor visits, recommended screenings, and preventive practices for improving health outcomes.
The American Cancer Society reported that New Jersey recorded 59,840 new cancer cases in 2025. Early detection through screenings is emphasized as crucial because it allows treatment to begin before symptoms appear and while the disease is still localized.
Screening guidelines vary depending on age, family history, gender, and individual risk factors. For instance, women are generally advised to start mammograms at age 40 and colorectal cancer screenings at 45. However, recent trends show an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses among adults under 50. This shift means that what was once seen as a disease affecting older adults now affects younger people more frequently—and often at later stages when treatment becomes more complicated.
“According to a new report from the American Cancer Society, adults under the age of 50 are increasingly being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. What was once considered a ‘cancer of aging’, seen most typically in people in their 60s and 70s, has changed course and is now being diagnosed more frequently in younger adults—and often at later stages, when treatment is more complex, and outcomes are poorer.”
As a result of these changes, experts recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 or earlier for those with higher risk factors.
The press release also notes disparities among different populations: “African American and Black individuals have higher death rates for prostate, uterine, stomach cancers, and myeloma, and 40%–50% higher rates for colorectal, breast, cervical, and liver cancers.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander (AANHPI) individuals have 30% higher rates for stomach cancer and double for liver cancer.
Hispanic individuals have approximately 40% higher incidence of cervical cancer and almost 2 times higher incidence of stomach and liver cancers.”
Recognizing unusual or persistent symptoms remains important. Individuals are encouraged not to dismiss signs such as chronic fatigue or back pain but instead consult healthcare providers promptly.
Lifestyle choices also play a role in prevention. Recommendations include avoiding tobacco use; limiting alcohol consumption; maintaining physical activity; keeping a healthy weight; eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains; protecting skin from sun exposure; staying current with vaccinations like HPV; knowing family medical history; and discussing it with doctors.
RWJBarnabas Health encourages residents not to delay scheduling preventive screenings or seeking care if something feels wrong. Resources are available through RWJBarnabas Health as well as Rutgers Cancer Institute—New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—for those interested in learning more about screening options or making appointments.
