MACON, Ga. — A routine mammogram nearly four years ago marked the beginning of a challenging journey for Rhonda Miller.
Initially, the procedure seemed fine, but Miller's experience took a drastic turn seven months later when she began experiencing severe pain in her left breast.
"I woke up one day with sudden pain in my left breast," Miller recalled. "It started overnight."
Miller, now 54, underwent intensive chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiation treatments for nearly eight months, finishing her treatment last May.
Despite the challenging medical procedures, Miller found the most shocking part was witnessing younger patients undergoing chemotherapy ward.
"When I was doing chemo, there were younger women in there, younger than me, maybe 23 and 19 getting treated for cancer," Miller said.
This trend is gaining attention from health leaders.
A recent study by the American Cancer Society (https://pressroom.cancer.org/higherriskGenXandMillennials) has highlighted an alarming increase in cancer rates among Generation X, or baby boomers, and Millennials, compared to older generations.
Dr. Wally Curran, an oncologist at Piedmont Hospital, expressed surprise at the findings.
"This information surprised a lot of us in the cancer world," Dr. Curran noted.
The study identified colorectal, uterine, and breast cancers among the 17 types experiencing increased rates.
Dr. Curran mentioned that while the exact causes are unclear, several risk factors should be considered.
"A few troubling trends that many of us don't associate with the risk of cancer include childhood obesity, less physical activity, and a less healthy diet," Dr. Curran said.
Dr. Curran also pointed to the potential impacts of climate change as another factor under investigation.
"We have to think about how when it's 90 degrees, 20 days in a row in Georgia, how do we get our children to still be active?" Dr. Curran added.
In light of these trends, Dr. Curran emphasizes the importance of regular screenings.
He advises that the best defense against cancer is early detection through visits to primary care doctors.
Miller, who continues to advocate for awareness, stresses the importance of timely screenings.
"I say it's cold, and it's uncomfortable," she said. "What's a little pain for five or 10 minutes, then have a pain for months and maybe years."
Experts recommend starting breast cancer screenings in your 40s and colon cancer tests in your late 40s or 50s.
However, if you experience troubling symptoms earlier, do not delay seeking medical advice.
General symptoms and signs can be found here.