Cancer is a disease that affects people of all ages, but a new study published in The Lancet has found that several cancers are on the rise among millennials and Gen-Xers compared to baby boomers. The study, based in the U.S., revealed that 17 of the 34 most common cancers diagnosed between the ages of 25 to 84 are increasing in younger people. More than half of these cancers are linked to obesity, which has been on the rise among recent generations, particularly in childhood.
The study highlighted a concerning trend in millennials born around 1990, showing that the number of new cancers of the small intestine, kidney, and pancreas was two to three times higher in people in their mid-30s compared to boomers born around 1955. Additionally, there were sex-specific trends identified, such as the incidence of liver cancers increasing among young women.
Miranda Fidler-Benaoudia, an epidemiologist at the University of Calgary and co-author of the study, expressed concern over the increase in cancer diagnoses among younger individuals and the corresponding rise in death rates. She emphasized the need to understand why younger generations are not only being diagnosed with cancer at earlier ages but also facing poorer outcomes than previous generations.
The study attributed the rise in cancer rates among young people to lifestyle factors, particularly obesity. The „obesity epidemic“ has been affecting Americans of all ages since the late 1970s, with the most impacted age group being those between two and 19. The study also noted differences in lifestyle and healthcare between the U.S. and Canada, suggesting the need for further research to determine if similar trends are occurring in Canada.
Dr. Shady Ashamalla, a surgical oncologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, emphasized the role of lifestyle choices in cancer risk. He pointed out that diet, food preparation, and consumption habits could contribute to the rise in digestive tract cancers not associated with obesity. Ashamalla also highlighted the consequences of early-life cancer diagnoses, noting the impact on individuals‘ personal lives, health outcomes, and mental well-being.
While the study painted a concerning picture of rising cancer rates among younger generations, it also highlighted positive trends. Cancers of the head, mouth, and neck have been declining in young men, potentially due to decreases in smoking and alcohol consumption. However, these same cancers have been increasing among young women, reflecting changes in alcohol-related behaviors.
The study emphasized the importance of screening and prevention measures in combating cancer. Despite healthy lifestyles, individuals like Bryna Dilman, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a young age, underscore the need for early detection and intervention. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Care recommends screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50, but experts suggest that this age may need to be lowered to 40.
In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the evolving landscape of cancer among younger generations. While lifestyle factors like obesity play a significant role in the rise of certain cancers, screening and prevention efforts are crucial in addressing this growing health concern. As younger generations age, it is essential to prioritize early detection and intervention to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, caregivers, and society as a whole.