Table of Contents
Cancers Gen X isn’t the first study to reveal that some cancers, like breast cancer, are increasing among younger generations.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found a notable increase in cancer rates among Gen X and Millennials, especially for those born in the 1990s. By examining 24 million diagnoses, the researchers connected this rise in cancer risk to changes in the environment and lifestyle.
Cancers Gen X : A troubling new study from the American Cancer Society shows that Gen X and Millennials face a higher risk of developing various cancers compared to earlier generations. This finding aligns with increasing evidence that cancers such as those of the bowel, breast, and pancreas are becoming more common among young people.
This new study analyzed data from nearly 24 million cancer patients in US cancer registries over the past 20 years, starting in 2000. The researchers sorted the data by cancer type, gender, and birth cohort—meaning the five-year period in which people were born. They also adjusted their calculations to account for the fact that cancer risk increases with age.
By examining the rates of the 34 most common cancers, which had at least 200,000 cases over 20 years, the study offers the clearest evidence so far of how cancer rates are shifting. It sheds light on how many people are getting cancer, as well as when and why.
Shockingly, 17 different types of cancer are becoming more common among younger people. For instance those born in 1990 are two to three times more likely to develop cancers of the small intestine, thyroid, kidney, and pancreas compared to those born in 1955.
The study also found that people born more recently are getting cancer at a younger age. Among all ages and cancer types, the biggest increases were seen in pancreatic and small intestine cancers among those under 30.
Cancers Gen X:In some cases, like bowel cancer, the rising incidence among younger generations has even reversed a previous trend of decline seen in older generations. This suggests that past public health improvements are now being undone.
Lifestyle and behaviour changes
Why are gen X and millennials more likely to get certain types of cancer than their parents’ and grandparents generations? The answer probably lies in changing lifestyles and behavior . A poor diet and more sedentary lifestyles are two likely causes.
Out of the 17 cancers identified ten—including bowel and breast cancer—are linked to obesity. The US along with many other countries is facing an obesity epidemic with rates rising each year. Increasing evidence suggests that being obese in childhood or early adulthood can raise the risk of certain cancers. Another important factor is the rise in consumption of ultra-processed foods which have been linked to a higher likelihood of developing cancer ,The study’s authors pointed to increased binge drinking, especially among Millennial women, as a key factor behind the higher rates of liver and esophageal cancers seen in this group.
For men, the study observed a U-shaped trend for Kaposi’s sarcoma and anal cancer—initially increasing, then decreasing, and now rising again. These cancers are linked to HIV infection. After rates declined for a while, they began to rise again for people born from the mid-1970s onward, reflecting the recent resurgence in HIV infection rates in the US.
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus known to cause cervical cancer, might also contribute to the rise in anal cancer rates. It’s estimated that HPV is responsible for 90% of anal cancers.
How diet and the gut microbiome may affect cancer rates
The Western diet characterized by high levels of saturated fats, sugar, refined grains, and ultra-processed foods, is associated with a higher risk of cancer.
Emerging evidence suggests that ultra-processed foods not only contribute to increase the body weight but are also independently linked to a higher risk of certain cancers including breast and colorectal cancer related to Sung.
Since some cancers of the digestive system aren’t directly linked to obesity the authors suggest that changes in the gut microbiome might also play a role. The combined rise of the Western diet and increased antibiotic use has significantly affected the gut microbiome.
Epigenetic changes affect how proteins are produced from DNA without altering the DNA sequence itself typically due to environmental factors In other words when someone passes their genes to their offspring they also transmit certain changes in how these genes are expressed.
Epigenetic changes play a significant role suggesting that your DNA isn’t the only factor that matters. Your current behavior can influence your offspring through heritable changes much like how the behaviors and exposures of your parents and even grandparents affect your health today Dunphy said.
While there are many harmful exposures we can and should protect ourselves from Dunphy continued I don’t believe that on average we inflict all this damage to our bodies in just one lifetime. Instead I think we inherit vulnerabilities from our predecessors.
Exposure to toxins may affect cancer rates
Walter Kim MD an integrative medicine physician at Brio-Medical told Healthline that the most harmful environmental toxin believed to contribute to cancer development is the use of plastics and their breakdown products.
Rates of some forms of cancer are declining
Despite the troubling rise in cancer rates among younger generations Sung highlighted several positive aspects ,She noted that the rapid decline in cervical cancer rates indicates the success of the HPV vaccination especially among women born around 1990 who were around 16 years old when the vaccine was initially approved in the United States.
Sung added that the recent decrease in cancers of the lung, larynx, and esophagus can be attributed to the reduction in smoking rates.
Mortality rates are falling for many types of cancer, even those with rising incidence rates.
Mortality rates are falling for many types of cancer, even those with rising incidence rates. Scientists attribute this trend to early detection through improved screening, advancements in treatment, or a combination of both.
Cervical cancer risk decreased for women born in the 1990s, likely due to the introduction of vaccinations.
Interestingly unlike the rising rates of anal cancer in men, the study found a sharp drop in cervical cancer risk among women born in the 1990s—the first group to receive the HPV vaccine. Initially HPV vaccines were only given to girls so young men from this generation did not benefit from this protection.
Although some changes in cancer rates can be linked to shifts in lifestyle and behaviors known to affect cancer risk they don’t explain all the observed trends such as the rise in leukemia. The authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the causes of these cancers. Without a clear understanding of why these cancers are becoming more common it will be challenging to develop effective strategies to reverse these trends.
The situation isn’t entirely bleak though Some cancers are becoming less frequent among younger generations. The study found that the risk of developing lung cancer has steadily declined over generations with people born in 1990 being five times less likely to get the disease compared to those born in 1955. There is also encouraging progress for melanoma as people born in 1990 have a lower risk compared to every other cohort from the previous 50 years.
These trends show the positive impact of public health campaigns that promote quitting tobacco and practicing sun-safe behaviors. They demonstrate how changing our habits and making healthier choices can lower our cancer risk.