Study Shows Growing Cancer Risk in Younger Generations

A new study from the American Cancer Society found the current generation of young adults is more prone to cancer.

The study finds those in their 30s, 40s and 50s are more likely than previous generations to develop 17 different types of cancers, including breast, liver and pancreatic cancers.

A National Cancer Institute study also concluded Gen Xers were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, especially colorectal, as they aged than previous generations.

"It's really sort of scary to see all in one dataset," said Andrea Cercek, co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

"But it definitely reflects what we've known and what we've noticed as well in our clinics," said Cercek, who wasn't involved in the study. "We really have no idea why."