Cancer rates in millennials, Gen X-ers have risen starkly in recent years, study finds. Experts have 1 prime suspect.

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the alarming rise in rates of 17 types of cancer among millennials and Gen X-ers, with certain cancers posing two-to-three times the risks for people born in 1990 compared to those born in 1955. The study found that on average, the rates of 17 types of cancer, including pancreatic, breast, and gastric cancer, have risen with each new generation since 1920. Experts suspect obesity as a prime suspect, as 10 out of the 17 cancers have been linked to obesity. The article also suggests that early life environmental exposures, such as antibiotic use or diet, may influence cancer risk. While the findings are concerning, experts advise making lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risks, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Generational Increase in Cancer Rates

1. What are the key findings of the study on the generational increase in cancer rates?

• The study found that the rates of 17 types of cancer, including pancreatic, breast, and gastric cancer, have risen with each new generation since 1920.
• For certain cancers, people born in 1990 face two-to-three times the risks that those born in 1955 did.
• The study added 8 more types of cancer to the list of cancers that have been increasing among young adults, including gastric cardia cancer, cancer of the small intestine, and ovarian cancer.
• Rates of some cancers, such as kidney, pancreatic, and small intestine cancers, have doubled or even tripled in people of either gender.
• Even cancers that seemed to be in decline for baby boomers and other older generations, such as some breast cancers and testicular cancer, are now a greater risk again to millennials and Gen X-ers.

2. What are some of the concerning trends in cancer mortality among younger generations?

• Mortality from colorectal, gallbladder, testicular, and uterine cancers has increased over the generations.
• The fatality rate of liver cancer has also increased, but only for women.
• The concurrent increase in mortality and diagnoses suggests a genuine increase in risk, not just an artifact of more frequent screening and diagnosis.

[02] Potential Causes of the Generational Increase

1. What is the prime suspect for the increase in cancer rates among younger generations?

• Experts suspect obesity as a prime suspect, as 10 out of the 17 cancers that are becoming more common have been linked to obesity.

2. How might obesity contribute to the increased cancer risk?

• When someone is obese, chronic inflammation can lead to years of damage to cells and tissues in the body, which can lead to cancer.
• Changes to insulin sensitivity and an increase in certain hormones due to obesity may fuel out-of-control cell growth and lead to cancer.
• The coinciding rises in obesity and cancer rates, especially among young adults, suggest that the problem may begin in childhood or even before birth.

3. What other early life environmental factors may influence cancer risk?

• Factors like antibiotic use or diet that may alter gut bacteria may also influence a person's cancer risk.
• The timelines suggest there may be other early life environmental exposures that contribute to the increased cancer risk.

[03] Recommendations for Reducing Cancer Risk

1. What are the key recommendations for reducing cancer risk?

• Make straightforward lifestyle changes, such as:
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Exercising regularly
  • Eating a balanced diet low in ultra-processed foods and red meat, and high in plants and fish like salmon
  • Drinking minimally and not smoking

2. What other steps can young people take to address their cancer risk?

• Know your family history and see a healthcare provider if you notice any changes that could be early warning signs of cancer.
• Be aware of unique symptoms of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancers, which may include fatigue, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss.