Dr. Mehraneh Dorna Jafari, chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, explains why cancer is becoming more common in adults under 50 and what researchers are learning about what could be driving this. She discusses the role of diet, the microbiome, ultra-processed foods, microplastics, and other factors in cancer risk, while also highlighting the promising advances transforming cancer care today. From AI-powered diagnostics and targeted therapies to the importance of screening and prevention, Dr. Jafari shares practical guidance and hopeful insights about the future of oncology.