A new study published in Lancet Public Health has revealed a concerning trend: cancer rates are increasing significantly among millennials and Gen X-ers.
This research, conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), shows that for some types of cancer, people born in 1990 face two to three times the risk compared to those born in 1955.
The study examined 34 different cancers, tracking diagnoses and deaths from 2000 to 2019. Of these, 17 types showed an upward trend with each new generation since 1920.
Lead study author Hyuna Sung, senior principal scientist at ACS, noted, “The concurrent increase in mortality [and diagnoses] suggests that what we see is not just an artifact due to potentially more frequent screening and diagnosis. Instead, it indicates a genuine increase in risk.”
Some of the cancers showing the most dramatic increases include:
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Liver cancer (especially in women)
Even cancers that were previously declining in older generations, such as certain breast cancers and testicular cancer, are now posing greater risks to younger people.
A new @AmericanCancer study led by Dr. Sung reported that #GenX & #Millennials have an elevated #cancer risk than Baby Boomers of same age for 17 of the 34 cancer types, with mortality also similarly elevated in Gen X & Millennials for 5 of these cancers.https://t.co/PP7wDHL4eJ pic.twitter.com/VXziS2s3EK
— Ahmedin Jemal (@AhJemal) August 1, 2024
What’s behind this troubling trend?
While the study doesn’t provide definitive answers, experts point to obesity as a prime suspect. Ten out of the 17 cancers becoming more common have been linked to obesity.
Timothy Rebbeck, professor of cancer prevention at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains one theory: “When someone is obese, a lot of things change in the body, including chronic inflammation that leads to years and years worth of damage to cells and tissues in the body, which can lead to cancer.”
The timing of these increases suggests that the problem may start early in life, possibly even before birth. Environmental factors, antibiotic use, and diet changes affecting gut bacteria are also being considered as potential contributors.
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Despite these alarming findings, experts urge caution rather than panic. Rebbeck notes, “Cancers diagnosed before age 50 are still relatively rare.” According to the National Cancer Institute, only about 350 out of every 100,000 cancer cases diagnosed yearly occur in people aged 45 to 49.
So what can you do to reduce your risk? Experts recommend:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a balanced diet low in ultra-processed foods and red meat
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Not smoking
It’s also crucial to know your family history and be aware of potential early warning signs. Sung highlights “unique symptoms” for young people to watch for, such as “fatigue, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, which are really considered red flags for early onset cancer.”
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While this research paints a sobering picture, it also gives some insights to prevention. By understanding these trends and taking proactive steps, we can work towards reducing our cancer risks and promoting better health.