January 1, Surge in Cancer Rates Among Gen X and Millennials Alarms Health Experts

A rising trend of certain cancers has been identified among younger generations, specifically Gen X and millennials, according to a recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

This study, published in The Lancet Public Health journal, delved into data from over 23 million patients – aged 25 to 84 – who had been diagnosed with one or more of 34 types of cancer over a span of two decades.

The study’s findings highlighted that cancers of the small intestine, kidney, and pancreas were two to three times more common in individuals born in 1990 than those born in 1955, affecting both genders. Notably, the rate of liver cancer was also higher in women. The prevalence of various other cancers, including breast cancer (estrogen-receptor positive), uterine cancer, colorectal cancer, non-cardia gastric cancer, gallbladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, anal cancer in men, and Kaposi sarcoma in men, was higher among younger groups. The trend of rising death rates from cancers such as liver cancer (in women), gallbladder cancer, uterine cancer, testicular cancer, and colorectal cancer was observed as well.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Hyuna Sung from the American Cancer Society, stated that these findings add to the mounting evidence suggesting that post-baby boomer generations are at an increased risk of cancer. However, the science community hasn’t yet reached a clear consensus on the cause behind the rising rates of various cancers amongst younger adults.

Historically, the occurrence of cancer has primarily been linked to aging, yet an “alarming trend” has been observed by medical professionals who are seeing a surge in cancer patients below the age of 50. Dr. Edward S. Kim, the head physician at City of Hope Orange County and vice head physician at City of Hope National Medical Center in California, states that understanding the reasons behind this trend is crucial, stressing on the need for advancing prevention and early diagnosis measures, as well as developing more effective cancer treatments.

Dr. Kim suggested that a wide range of environmental factors that have drastically changed in developed countries since the mid-20th century may be to blame. He emphasized the importance of changes in diet and lifestyle, like avoiding ultra-processed foods, maintaining a healthy level of physical activity to avoid obesity, and refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

The ACS study calls for accessibility to “affordable, comprehensive health insurance” for younger generations to enable increased cancer screening rates. The need for cancer research focused on younger individuals was also stressed. If no urgent interventions are implemented, the incidence of cancer among individuals younger than 50 could surge by 31% by the year 2030, according to projections from other studies.

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