For decades, cancer was mostly considered a disease of older adults. But that’s no longer the case. New research shows cancer rates are rising fastest in people under age 50—especially among women—and many of these cancers are being caught late, when treatment is harder and outcomes are worse.

At Labs By Request, we believe the key to protecting your health is early detection—and we offer affordable, comprehensive lab testing panels designed to identify risk factors before cancer has a chance to take hold.

What the Latest Research Tells Us

According to the American Cancer Society:

  • Cancer among adults under 50 is rising 2.4% per year, far outpacing the rate in older adults.

  • Colorectal, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers are among the most commonly diagnosed early-onset cancers.

  • In women under 50, cancer rates are now 82% higher than in men of the same age.

  • Early-onset cancers are often more aggressive—and harder to detect without regular lab work or screening.

🔗 Source: American Cancer Society – Cancer in Young Adults

Why Is This Happening?

There’s no single cause, but experts believe the increase is driven by a mix of factors, including:

  • Rising rates of obesity and insulin resistance

  • Ultra-processed diets, sugar, and low fiber

  • Sedentary lifestyle and chronic inflammation

  • Changes in the gut microbiome

  • Environmental toxin exposure and endocrine-disrupting chemicals

  • Delayed screenings due to the assumption that cancer is an “older person’s disease”

How Labs By Request Can Help

At Labs By Request, we offer direct-access testing for many of the underlying issues that may increase your cancer risk. You don’t need a referral, and no insurance is required.

Here are just a few of the panels and tests we offer to help you stay ahead of cancer risk:

GI & Colon Health Panels

  • C-reactive protein (CRP)

  • Calprotectin (inflammation marker)

  • Occult blood testing

  • FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)

  • GI-MAP (Advanced gut microbiome testing)

Hormone & Metabolic Panels

  • Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone

  • Insulin, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c

  • Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4, antibodies)

  • Inflammatory markers like homocysteine and hs-CRP

Cancer Risk & Prevention Panels

  • Vitamin D, B12, and folate levels

  • Liver and kidney function

  • Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

  • Tumor markers (upon physician request)

  • MTHFR & detox pathway genetic testing

Toxin & Detoxification Testing

  • Environmental toxins and heavy metal panels

  • Hepatic Detox Profile (D-glucaric & mercapturic acids)

  • Mold/mycotoxin testing

Why Early Testing Matters

Most young adults with cancer say they ignored symptoms or had them dismissed by providers because of their age. Testing gives you data—before symptoms appear.

Whether you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue, gut issues, weight gain, hormone imbalances—or just want peace of mind—the right labs can reveal hidden red flags.

Who Should Consider Preventive Testing?

  • Adults under 50 with a family history of cancer

  • People with chronic GI, hormone, or metabolic symptoms

  • Women with irregular cycles, breast changes, or fatigue

  • Anyone looking to optimize their health and detect risks early

  • Young adults exposed to toxins, processed food, or chronic stress

Why Choose Labs By Request?

  • Affordable direct-pay pricing

  • No appointment needed – walk-ins welcome

  • No insurance required

  • Fast results – many panels return in 1–2 days

  • Personalized test recommendations available

Take Action Today

Cancer is rising in young adults—but you have the power to act early.
Labs By Request offers the tools to help you understand your body, catch risks early, and make informed decisions about your health.

Browse our lab panels now or contact us for a personalized recommendation.