Now more than ever, certain cancers are more commonly affecting young people. New research published in The Lancet Public Health journal says Generation X (Gen X) and millennials have a greater risk of developing 17 types of cancers than older generations.
More research is needed to understand the reasons why cancer rates are increasing for younger generations, but awareness is the first step. Learn which cancer rates are on the rise for people under 50 and why cancer screenings are important.
Cancer Risks for Gen X and Millennials: What the Study Found
This newest research was initiated after cancer doctors and researchers noticed an upward trend in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger people over the past ten years.
Expanding on past studies, researchers used data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics databases to analyze cancer trends in people between the ages of 25 and 84 diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2019. The data included over 23.5 million diagnoses of 34 types of cancer and over 7 million deaths from 25 types of cancer, making it the largest study of its kind to date.
Grouping people by birth year in 5-year increments, researchers discovered an alarming trend in cancer diagnoses: incidences of cancer have increased for the younger populations.
17 Types of Cancer on the Rise
According to the study, Gen X and millennials have higher rates of developing these 17 types of cancer:
- Anal
- Cardia gastric (stomach)
- Colon and rectum
- Endometrial and uterine
- Estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast
- Gallbladder
- Kaposi sarcoma (gastrointestinal tract)
- Kidney
- Leukemia
- Liver and bile duct
- Myeloma (white blood cell)
- Non-cardia gastric (stomach)
- Oral and larynx (non-HPV)
- Ovarian
- Pancreatic
- Small intestine
- Testicular
Of these cancers, the most common types affecting Gen Xers and millennials at the highest rates were cancers of the kidneys, pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder and the liver and bile duct.
Reasons Why Cancer Rates Are Increasing for Younger Generations
Unfortunately, the reason why cancer rates are increasing for these younger generations wasn’t studied. However, doctors and researchers believe some lifestyle and environmental factors may be at play, including:
Obesity: Obesity is a known risk factor for cancer and over 20% of all cancers in the United States are linked to it. It’s also important to note that 40 % of American adults and 20% of children and teens carry excess body weight. With that information in mind, it’s certainly possible that obesity may account for the cancer increase seen in this study. Doctors and researchers also believe that poor nutrition, poor sleep quality and a sedentary lifestyle are likely to play a role.
- Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins found in our food, water, skincare products, cosmetics and household products — and overuse of antibiotics, which can change your gut microbiome — are also believed to account for some of the increased risk. And that’s especially important because gut microbiome changes have been linked directly to colorectal cancer.
The Importance of Cancer Screenings
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always a good idea. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and less processed food, exercising and moving your body daily, getting quality sleep, managing stress and limiting your exposure to toxic chemicals are good for your overall health and wellness. They can also help lower your cancer risk.
However, the single most important thing you can do to lower your risk of developing cancer is to get screened regularly.
Finding cancer early, when it’s most treatable, gives you the best chance of overcoming it and getting back to the life you love. Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of each type of cancer and if something seems off, talk to your doctor or health care provider.
Take charge of your health and schedule an appointment for a cancer screening today.
