Cancer is generally associated with aging, with the risk of developing most cancer types rising significantly in midlife and continuing to increase with age. However, adolescents and young adults represent a unique demographic where cancers typically seen in older adults are increasingly being diagnosed. Tumors in this age group exhibit distinct characteristics when compared to those found in younger children or older adults, and management of these patients presents unique challenges due to the potential for long-term side effects. This case series examines three instances of adult cancers diagnosed at unusually young ages and sheds light on the recent shift in cancer presentation trends. These cases include a 21-year-old female diagnosed with supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a 22-year-old male with rectal adenocarcinoma, and a 25-year-old male with adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction. This series aims to highlight the emerging trend of cancer diagnoses at younger ages, which could signal a change in the future landscape of cancer epidemiology.
