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Health Conditions
Growing Health Risks for Young Adults
When we think about serious health conditions, we tend to picture older adults. But a growing body of research tells a different story: chronic illness, cancer, and mental health conditions are rising at alarming rates in people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
According to a 2025 CDC study, the prevalence of chronic conditions increased 7% among young adults between 2013 and 2023. In 2023, six in 10 young adults reported at least one chronic condition, proving preventative health care is essential. Here’s what to know.
Colorectal Cancer: No Longer a Disease of Old Age
Colorectal cancer was once considered a condition that primarily affected seniors . That is no longer the case. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer rates are rising in people under 65, even as they continue to decline in older adults. For Americans under 50, it is now the number one cause of cancer-related death.
The numbers are striking. About 20% of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer are under 55. Many of these cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when they are much harder to treat.
Researchers believe diet and lifestyle play a major role. Diets high in processed foods, red meat, and low in fiber are consistently linked to higher risk. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that screening begin at age 45 for most adults.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
Mental Health: The Generation Most Affected
Young adults are experiencing mental health conditions at higher rates than any other age group. In fact, nearly one in three adults ages 18 to 25 experienced a mental illness in the past year, more than double the rate of adults 50 and older.
Anxiety is the most common condition. 2024 NSDUH data found that 41.9% of adolescents and 21.7% of adults reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Depression is close behind, with major depressive episodes affecting 8.3% of U.S. adults each year, with rates highest among young women.
Despite how common these conditions are, nearly half of young adults with a mental illness still receive no treatment. Social media, economic pressure, loneliness, and the long-term effects of the pandemic are all contributing factors. The good news is that effective treatments exist. Approximately 75% of people who enter therapy show meaningful improvement, with telehealth making care more accessible than ever.
Diabetes and Obesity: Earlier Onset, Greater Stakes
Type 2 diabetes and obesity are increasingly being diagnosed in young adults, with the largest increases in Black, Hispanic, and Mexican Americans. When diabetes develops early, the long-term risks compound over decades and can include:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Nerve damage
The good news is that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and routine screenings can significantly reduce your risk.
Sexually Transmitted Infections: Still a Major Concern
STIs disproportionately affect young adults. While data shows some encouraging declines in chlamydia and gonorrhea cases, the overall burden remains significant. In 2024, more than 2.2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported nationally, and compared to a decade ago, overall cases are still 13% higher.
Many STIs have no symptoms, meaning they can go undetected and untreated for months or years. Left untreated, they can lead to serious complications including infertility, chronic pelvic pain, increased cancer risk, and complications during pregnancy.
Regular screening is one of the most important steps sexually active young adults can take. Talk to your care provider to determine which tests are right for you.
Protecting Your Future
The most important thing young adults can do is not wait until something feels wrong to see a doctor. Many health conditions develop quietly, with few or no early symptoms. Routine checkups, screenings, and honest conversations with your provider can catch problems early, when they are most treatable.
Lifestyle habits also matter. Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management all play a meaningful role in reducing risk across every one of these conditions.
Grow Healthy with AltaMed
At AltaMed, we offer comprehensive primary care, behavioral health services, and preventive screenings for patients of all ages. With locations across Los Angeles and Orange County, help is always nearby. Visit our Getting Started page or call us at (888) 499-9303.
Prefer care from the comfort of home? Explore our telehealth services with AltaMed Now.
