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Cancer rates higher for Gen Xers, millennials

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Aug. 19, 2024—The chances of being diagnosed with cancer may be increasing for Gen Xers and millennials, when compared to baby boomers and older generations, a new study in The Lancet Public Health suggests.

The study involved data on more than 23 million people born between 1920 and 1990. Researchers compared cancer rates among different generations born during this period, zeroing in on 34 types of cancer.

Among the findings: Members of Generation X (people born between 1965 and 1980) and the millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) are more likely than prior generations to be diagnosed with 17 types of cancer:

  • Colorectal cancer.
  • Uterine cancer.
  • Gallbladder cancer.
  • Kidney cancer and renal pelvis cancer.
  • Pancreatic cancer.
  • Myeloma.
  • Non cardia gastric cancer (a type of stomach cancer).
  • Cardia gastric cancer (a type of stomach cancer).
  • Cancer of the small intestine.
  • Leukemia.
  • Testicular cancer.
  • Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
  • Ovarian cancer.
  • Liver cancer (in women).
  • Non-HPV-associated oral and pharyngeal cancer (in women).
  • Anal cancer (in men).
  • Kaposi sarcoma (a type of blood cancer) in men.

What are the causes?

So what has changed that might explain these rising cancer rates in post-baby boomer generations? Researchers don't yet know. But it could be related to several factors:

  • Obesity rates rose sharply starting in the late 1970s. Excess weight is linked with an increased risk of getting more than a dozen types of cancer, including several that are increasing among Gen Xers and millennials.
  • Many of us are sedentary. Being physically active lowers the risk of cancer, and yet most Americans aren't exercising enough.
  • Changes in dietary patterns. For instance, fast food is more available to Gen Xers and millennials than it was to previous generations.
  • Changes in the gut. Bacteria and other organisms in the digestive tract make up the microbiome. Changes in the gut (which the researchers suggested may be linked to increased antibiotic use and certain eating patterns, like eating highly processed foods) may play a role in driving some of the increased cancer rates seen in the study.

A few things to keep in mind with these findings: Some of the cancers highlighted in the study are rare. Also, the overall risk of being diagnosed with cancer is still relatively low. However, the research does seem to reflect a growing trend of rising cancer rates among the post-baby boomer generations.

Also noteworthy: Although cancer death rates have continued to fall overall, certain cancer rates have risen among people younger than 65, especially colorectal and cervical cancers, the American Cancer Society reports.

A call to action for younger generations

If you're a Gen Xer or millennial, there are two main ways to take control of your cancer risk:

Prioritize prevention. While there's no surefire way to prevent any type of cancer, you can take steps to lower your risk. Start with these six habits.

Catch cancer early. Screening tests can detect some cancers early, when they're often easier to treat. Ask your doctor about your cancer risk—and when to start screening. For example, if you're in your 40s, it's time to talk about screening for breast and colorectal cancers.

Check out our infographics to learn more about recommended health screenings for women and for men.

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