Advances in science and medicine have never been greater than they are today. With the rise of affordable gyms like Planet Fitness and Blink Fitness and the explosion of plant-based food products taking over grocery stores, living a healthy lifestyle has become easier than ever before. Despite all of this, a new study shows an alarming increase in cancer risk, particularly for younger generations.
According to a study published earlier this month in the journal Lancet Public Health , millennials and Gen-Xers are at an increased risk for 17 different types of cancers. Why is this happening and which cancers in particular are the most worrisome? Here’s what oncologists want everyone to know.
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Why Cancer Rates Are Rising In Younger Generations—and the Ones Oncologists Are Worried About the Most
Dr. Karen Knudsen, PhD, MBA , the president and CEO of the American Cancer Society, says the reason why younger generations are at increased risk for numerous types of cancer is due to a combination of factors. “We don’t yet have a clear explanation for why rates among younger generations are rising, but we hypothesize that the increased cancer risk for Gen X and millennial populations is attributed to environmental factors or exposure compared to previous generations,” she says.
Dr. Knudsen explains that these factors include social, economic, political and climate environments that may have influenced their exposure to cancer risk factors during crucial development years. “It may also be attributed to lifestyle changes such as increased consumption of processed foods, sedentary lifestyle, higher rates of obesity and altered sleep patterns,” she says.
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Dr. Alessio Pigazzi, MD, PhD, FACS, FASCRS , the executive director of colorectal cancer at City of Hope Orange County in California, also says that a rise in unhealthy diet and lifestyle factors is likely a major factor in the increase in cancer risk. “There is increasing evidence that environmental factors, sedentary lifestyles and elevated intake of ultra-processed foods and alcohol are all contributing factors,” he says.
In terms of which types of cancer oncologists are most worried about, both Dr. Knudsen and Dr. Pigazzi point to the study’s findings and highlight that breast, colon, small intestine, lung, gastric and pancreatic cancers are all more likely to be diagnosed in Gen Xers and millennials compared to the Boomer generation. “This rise of obesity in the U.S is a strong risk factor, as 10 of the 17 cancers with increasing incidence in younger cohorts are obesity-related cancers,” Dr. Knudsen says, adding that environmental exposures and lifestyle are also likely factors as well.
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How To Lower Your Risk
Learning that so many cancers are on the rise is certainly alarming news. But both cancer experts emphasize that a lot can be done to lower your risk. “By [the American Cancer Society's] research estimation, about 40% of the cancers that occur can be prevented by behavior modification ,” Dr. Knudsen says. She encourages younger generations to be proactive about their health by adopting healthier lifestyles and minimizing their exposure to known risk factors.
“This includes maintaining a healthy body weight, healthy diet, being physically active, limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking. Younger generations should also be cognizant of reducing environmental exposures, such as harmful chemicals and pollutants, when possible,” Dr. Knudsen says.
Dr. Pigazzi adds to this, advocating for a diet low in ultra-processed foods that are often high in sugar. “High sugar and ultra-processed foods, which now make up 60% of most American adult diets, lower the microbiome’s performance, he says, adding that a compromised microbiome increases the risk of colon cancer.
Dr. Pigazzi says that knowing your family history and personal risk factors are also important. For example, genetic factors, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations , can predispose someone to breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancers. If a certain type of cancer runs in your family, it’s important to tell your healthcare provider and get screened for those cancers earlier than individuals who do not have a family history.
Both experts also say that cancer screenings are a vital tool for catching cancer early. “Although many screening guidelines are age-related, exceptions can be made if there is clear evidence of risk, such as the presence of symptoms or family history. Being proactive, asking questions and seeking second opinions when necessary are all important steps in being your own health advocate,” Dr. Pigazzi says.
Remember, no one can be a better advocate for your health than you. You get to decide what diet and lifestyle habits you follow. You can schedule yearly checkups and necessary cancer screenings. While we certainly can’t control our health entirely, there is a lot you can do to lower your risk of cancer. With conscious effort, younger generations can turn these statistics around.
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