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A new study has revealed the worrying fact that the younger generation (especially Gen X and Millennials) are at a higher risk of 17 types of cancer. These are cancers that were previously seen to be decreasing in adults. The study published in Lancet Public Health highlights that the younger generation is at an increased risk of cancer.
Hyuna Sun, a cancer epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, and her team conducted an in-depth analysis of two decades of cancer diagnosis and mortality data. They analyzed nearly 24 million cancer diagnoses and more than 7 million deaths across 34 types of cancer. The researchers identified a worrying pattern. The study showed that people born after 1960 (particularly those born in the 1990s) are two to three times more likely to develop cancers such as pancreatic, kidney, and small intestine than those born in the 1950s. These findings suggest that younger generations are facing unprecedented challenges in terms of cancer risk, with lifestyle and environmental changes being major contributors.
Why are cancer rates increasing in the younger generation?
The rising cancer rates in Gen X and Millennials can be attributed primarily to lifestyle and environmental factors. Obesity, which has reached epidemic levels, is one of the most significant culprits. Studies have found a strong link between obesity and an increase in certain cancers, including colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers. A more sedentary lifestyle and consumption of more processed foods have further exacerbated this problem, making the younger generation more vulnerable to obesity-related cancers.
The role of antibiotics and environmental exposures
While lifestyle factors play an important role, the study also pointed to other possible contributors, such as overuse of antibiotics and environmental exposure. Frequently used antibiotics may disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Environmental exposure to certain chemicals or agents through food, water or air may increase cancer rates.
increased mortality from cancer
Another disturbing aspect of the study is that mortality rates from certain types of cancer have increased in younger generations. Although cancer mortality has decreased overall due to advances in treatment, young individuals still face higher mortality rates for endometrial, intrahepatic bile duct, and gallbladder cancers.
