When you’re young, it can feel like health issues are something that “happen to other people.” You probably feel great, and don’t have a care in the world when it comes to your health. But don’t get too content, there are a worrying number of health issues that are on the rise, or predominantly affecting younger people. Knowing what they allow you to protect yourself more efficiently, and hopefully give you a nudge to attend any tests and screenings that are relevant to you. Here are some of the health conditions that are most prevalent in younger people:
Cervical Cancer and Testicular Cancer
Most cancers become more of a risk factor as you get older. However, cervical and testicular cancer are two that most often occur in younger people. Luckily these are two of the cancers which also have the highest survival rates when caught early. And so for women, attending cervical screenings is absolutely crucial. For men, always have anything that seems out of the ordinary looked at by a doctor.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Young people and adolescents are continually the group that are most affected by sexually transmitted diseases. Lack of education or disregard for consequences could be to blame for this. Chlamydia is the most common STI, with over three-quarters of new cases being diagnosed in people aged fifteen to twenty-four. It can be symptomless so is easy to go undetected, but untreated can lead to infertility and other health issues. Your body cannot remove the infection on its own and so being tested and treated if necessary important. Since it’s a bacterial infection, chlamydia treatment involves taking antibiotic tablets.
Meningitis
Babies and under fives are the most likely group to get hit by meningitis, with adolescents and young people coming in second. Social interaction and close contact living spread meningitis more quickly, so places like colleges, universities and certain workplaces are often hit by outbreaks. While anyone can become ill with meningitis, this is definitely a condition that you’re much more likely to get in your younger years. Meningitis can be either bacterial or viral, viral cases usually clear up by themselves within a week or two. A hospital stay will be needed for all cases of bacterial meningitis, since it can cause serious problems such as swelling around the brain. Vaccinations and preventative antibiotics can help to stop you from getting ill from certain strains.
Mental Health Problems
While mental health problems are most common in older adults, they are on the rise in young people and adolescents. Suicide now accounts for the third most common death in teens. Anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and others all usually start around age fourteen and sometimes even as young as childhood. People can brush off mental health issues in young people claiming it’s a ‘phase’ or attention seeking behaviour. However isn’t helpful for the person suffering. Mental health problems don’t just go away on their own, and so it’s vital to speak to a doctor or other professional if you’re affected.
Were you aware that certain illnesses were more common in younger people?
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