Cancer cases in younger generations are continuing to rise at an alarming rate and millennial born in 1990 are at a higher risk of developing 17 out of 34 considered cancers, including leukaemia, breast cancer, and gastric cancer, says a recent study by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
CANCER CASES ON THE RISE IN MILLENNIALS AND GEN XERS
The study which analyzed the health data of over 23 million US patients found that millennials and Gen Xers are at a higher risk of developing several types of cancer, including pancreatic, kidney, and small intestinal cancer. Female millennials also face an increased risk of liver and bile duct cancer. The study also found that nine cancers, which have seen a decline in incidence rates among older generations, are on the rise in younger people.
INCREASED RISK OF CANCER IN YOUNGER GENERATIONS
The study suggests that the increased risk of cancer in younger generations is partly due to exposure to carcinogens in early life or young adulthood. Researchers suspect that this exposure has not yet been fully understood.
The study identified several cancers that are on the rise in younger generations, including uterine cancer, which is 169% more likely to impact a person born in the 1990s than people born in the 1930s. The study also found that ten of the 17 cancers increasing in incidence among millennials and Gen Xers are related to obesity.
OBESITY AND OTHER FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED RISK
Researchers believe that obesity could be a contributing factor to the increased risk of cancer in younger generations. Other factors, such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, or sleep disturbances, could also play a role. However, these factors remain poorly understood.
PREVENTION STRATEGIES AND VACCINATION EFFORTS
The study highlights the critical need to identify and address underlying risk factors in Gen X and Millennial populations to inform prevention strategies. The study also notes that vaccination efforts, such as the HPV vaccine, have been effective in reducing cervical cancer cases.
The study’s findings add to growing evidence of increased cancer risk in post-Baby Boomer generations. While there is some good news hiding in the data, such as the decline in cervical cancer cases since the advent of HPV vaccination, the overall trend is concerning. It is essential that we understand the underlying causes of this trend and take action to prevent further increases in cancer cases.