New Study Reveals Disturbing Rise in Cancer Among Gen X and Millennials – SciTechDaily

probability of developing nearly 20 types of cancers has increased among millennials and Generation X compared to baby boomers. Researchers attribute this rise to higher obesity rates and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods among younger generations. 

Key Facts 

• Study Demographics: The study analyzed data from 23.6 million Americans diagnosed with 34 types of cancer and 7.4 million cancer-related deaths among individuals aged 25 to 84 from 2000 to 2019. 

• Increased Incidence Rates: Incidence rates for 17 different types of cancers have successively increased among Generation X and millennials compared to baby boomers, according to a Lancet study published by the American Cancer Society. 

• Rising Death Rates: Although death rates for most cancers stabilized or decreased among younger generations, they increased for uterine corpus, liver (in women), gallbladder, testicular, and colorectal cancers. 

• Incidence Rate Differences: Millennials face significantly higher cancer rates compared to boomers, with a range from 12% higher for ovarian cancer to 169% higher for uterine cancer. 

Which Cancers Increased Among Gen X And Millennials? 

17 cancers with increased incidence rates in younger generations include: 

• Colorectal 

• Uterine corpus 

• Gallbladder 

• Kidney 

• Pancreas 

• Myeloma 

• Leukemia 

• Testicular 

• Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer 

• Small intestine 

• Ovarian 

• Female liver 

• Female non-HPV-associated oral and throat 

• Male anus 

• Male Kaposi sarcoma 

• Gastric cardia 

• Non-gastric cardia stomach cancers 

Millennials were two to three times more likely to develop cancers such as thyroid, pancreas, small intestine, kidney, and renal pelvis compared to boomers. Gen X had the highest rates among non-HPV-associated oral and throat cancers when compared to older cohorts. 

Why Did Cancer Rates Increase Among Younger Generations? 

Researchers suggest that younger generations are exposed to carcinogens earlier in life compared to older generations. Among 17 cancers with higher rates, 10 are obesity-related, highlighting rising obesity rates as a contributing factor. By 2030, nearly half of the U.S. population is predicted to be obese, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Changes in gut microbiomes due to dietary habits, particularly consumption of ultra-processed foods, are also linked to a rise in gastrointestinal cancers. 

Surprising Fact 

Cervical cancer rates have drastically decreased among millennials and Gen X, particularly in millennial women. This decrease is likely linked to the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, first approved in 2006 for girls aged 9 to 26, and later for men in 2011.  vaccine has historically been viewed as a women’s-only vaccine, despite its benefits for men. 

Crucial Quote 

“Increase in cancer rates among this younger group of people indicates generational shifts in cancer risk and often serves as an early indicator of future cancer burden in the country,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior author of Lancet study and senior vice president of surveillance and health equity science at American Cancer Society, in a statement.