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Diagnosis: Young, The New Face of Cancer in NC is the latest investigative documentary from the WRAL Doc unit, exploring the alarming trend of cancer striking younger adults in North Carolina and across the nation.
The documentary follows three North Carolinians in their 20s and 30s who never expected a cancer diagnosis so early in life. Behind every personal story is the big question: Why is this happening?
Physicians and researchers at Duke and UNC say they’re seeing cancers that are not only appearing earlier but also acting more aggressively. They’re now exploring potential causes, including environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, and the increasing role of ultra-processed foods in the American diet.
More than one in five colorectal cancer cases now occur in people younger than 55, according to the American Cancer Society, nearly double the rate reported in the mid-1990s.
“I think this will resonate with so many North Carolinians because, sadly, we all know someone fighting cancer right now,” said WRAL investigative documentary reporter Cristin Severance. “This disease touches nearly every family, and we wanted to know what’s being done to save lives, especially as more young people are being diagnosed.”
The documentary also takes viewers inside the research underway in North Carolina to uncover answers and highlights how these young patients are not just surviving but helping drive progress for others.
Diagnosis: Young premieres Thursday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. on WRAL Raleigh, N.C., WRAL’s streaming platforms and WRAL’s YouTube channel. It will also air on WRAZ (Fox 50) on Sunday, June 29, at 1p.m. and on WILM-LD