I met up with friends for our 20-year high school reunion — and was stunned by how many of us had been thrown a medical curveball. We used to compare jobs and apartments. Now it's mammograms and MRIs.
It seems way too soon for these convos. But rates of early-onset cancers — meaning those diagnosed before 50 — are rising fastest among millennial women. That includes colorectal, breast, prostate, stomach, and appendix (a new trend that's concerning experts). Researchers point to possible culprits like lifestyle shifts (hi, desk jobs and ultra-processed snacks), environmental exposures, and gut microbiome changes, though nothing definitive yet.
Still, more of us might face a diagnosis perhaps sooner than we think — especially as new blood tests able to early detect cancer arrive. Instead of letting that reality turn you away from screenings, here's how to stay on top of your health:
Schedule preventive care appointments. We know, we know… You don't have time to hang out on hold, or know now if you're free for their first available on April 22, 2026 at 2 pm. But these "let-that-sink-in" research findings are… very motivating.
Do your homework. Your doctor especially wants to know more about specific relatives.
Make these six lifestyle tweaks that may lower your cancer risk. They're not cure-alls, but they can help.
Feeling anxious? Try using "worry time" to stop spiraling.
If your brain were a house, mitochondria would be the Wi-Fi router. When the signal is strong, your neurons fire at 5G speeds, powering you through the group chat, a work Zoom, and figuring out your Amazon order. When it's not? Everything lags… including your mood.
Yep. Each neuron depends on mitochondria to make energy. The brain burns through more energy than any other organ, and when its batteries falter, neurons can't fire properly. That can lead to sluggish thinking, poor emotional regulation, and the fatigue that often accompanies mood disorders. Scientists are finding that when mitochondria thrive, so does your overall brain health.
Not really. While researchers are testing new "mito-boosters," these are still in the lab stage and not ready for a GRWM routine. Right now, the best-known supports are low-tech and free: sleep, movement, and stress management.
For Your Sanity:
Increase your HIIT workouts. Exercise literally tells your body to make more mitochondria and keep existing ones healthy. The best type: Short (as little as 2 minutes), regular bursts of movement drive mitochondrial biogenesis, aka better battery recharging for neurons. Want to add some to your routine? Here, some no-jumping-required workouts that raise your heart rate.
Stop scrolling, start Wordling. Mitochondria make the energy your brain needs to produce and release acetylcholine (aka ACT), the chemical messenger behind focus, memory, and decision-making. When your mitochondria slow down, ACT levels drop too, which can dim mental clarity and slow thinking. But you can regain it: One study of older adults found that 30 minutes of structured brain games could increase ACT levels.
Eat right. Choline, the building block used to make ACT, can be found in these types of whole foods. Eat plant-based? Talk with your doctor about supplement strategies.
Focus on your mental health, right now. A recent Columbia study found that people who reported more "positive life experiences" had stronger "energy signatures" in brain cells. Getting the help you need now not only restores your emotional energy now, but your cellular energy later. (Looking for online therapy options that accept insurance? Start here.)
TheSkimm team was able to connect with Kelly Casperson, MD, urologist and author of The Menopause Moment, at an event sponsored by the digital perimenopause platform Perry. One surprising takeaway:
Don't wait until your annual exam to talk about perimenopause symptoms. Instead, book a dedicated appointment to speak specifically about the condition. Do your homework beforehand: Jot down symptoms, questions, and possible treatment options. "The doctor's office is not the place to learn anymore — it's where you want to partner with the doctor [to make informed decisions]," says Casperson.
Fun fact to drop by the office fridge: That watery layer on your yogurt isn't gross, it's whey, and it's loaded with protein. Don't dump it, stir it back in to ensure you get all the nutrients in your yogurt. Bonus points: Add some chia seeds and brag about your snack to the proteinmaxxing bro in the cubicle next to yours.
Vitamin D is one supplement many doctors largely stand behind, a daily dose can help keep your bones strong, your immune system healthy, and your mood upbeat. While sunshine is the best source, the darker days ahead may make it hard to come by. Finding a good supplement doesn't require wandering the vitamins aisle aimlessly, though. Here, the best ones to add to cart.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Our First-Ever Live Cooking Demo Is Serving Cookies (and Solutions)
Skimm+ is going live in your kitchen — with bestselling author Dan Pelosi (@GrossyPelosi) as your guide. In just 60 minutes, you'll learn how to make no-fuss, gift-worthy cookies that are perfect for that holiday party…or that host you don't know the most. Bonus: First 70 people to sign up will get a free copy of his new cookbook Let's Party.
Self-Care That Fits Your Schedule (and Your Budget)
When self-care comes down to seconds, a little moment of calm can change your whole day. The free DailyOM Inspiration newsletterdelivers just that: One thoughtful, affirming message sent straight to your inbox each morning.
It's a quick way to train your brain to focus on what matters most, setting you up for success, no matter what the to-do list looks like.
Have a question, comment, or just want to be friends? Reach out to us at well@theskimm.com
Written by Anna Davies. Edited by Jordan Galloway.Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone and Sara Tardiff.
Photos by Getty Images, Brand Partners
Design by theSkimm
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute a medical opinion, medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment of any particular condition. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
