Generation X and Millennials at Increased Risk of Developing Cancers Compared to Previous Generations

Recent findings by the American Cancer Society (ACS) reveal that Generation X and Millennials are experiencing higher rates of 17 cancer types, including breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancers, compared to older generations. This research, published in The Lancet Public Health, analyzed data from nearly 24 million cancer patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2019. This is prepared by SSP.

Rising Incidence and Mortality Rates

The study discovered that the risk of certain cancers has escalated in each successive generation born since 1920. Specifically, individuals born in 1990 showed a cancer incidence rate two to three times higher for pancreatic, kidney, and small intestinal cancers than those born in 1955. Additionally, the study found increased cancer incidence in younger cohorts for nine other types such as breast (estrogen-receptor positive only), uterine corpus, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. In corresponding trends, rising mortality rates for cancers like liver (in females), uterine corpus, gallbladder, and colorectal cancers were also noted.

Concerning Trends and Lifestyle Factors

Generational shifts in lifestyle and behavior appear to contribute significantly to this trend. Increased sedentary behaviors, poor diet, binge drinking, and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods are possible culprits. Obesity, a growing epidemic in the U.S., is particularly worrisome, being frequently linked to 10 of the 17 increasing cancer types, including bowel and breast cancer. Moreover, increased alcohol consumption among millennial women could explain the rising liver and esophageal cancer rates in that group.

Additionally, certain cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma and anal cancer in men have shown a "U-shaped" trend, reflecting initial declines due to reduced HIV infections, followed by increases for those born after the mid-1970s alongside resurging HIV infection rates.

Specific Disease Outcomes

Certain cancers, like lung cancer and melanoma, have shown a promising decline in younger generations. People born in 1990 are significantly less likely to develop these cancers compared to those born in 1955, reflecting the effectiveness of public health campaigns against tobacco use and promoting sun-safe behaviors.

Need for Policy and Preventative Measures

Dr. Ahmedin Jemal of the ACS emphasized the importance of early intervention and effective population-level strategies to mitigate the looming increase in cancer burden. The findings comprised a call for expanded healthcare access and affordable comprehensive health insurance, as advocated by ACS CAN president Lisa Lacasse.

In sum, research underscores the critical need for continued and enhanced efforts in public health to reverse these troubling trends through lifestyle changes, early social interventions, and medical advancements.