Life Stories

Health 21/04/2025 16:30

Cancer Rates Rising in Gen X and Millenials Compared to Older Generations, Study Finds

Researchers have published a new study that takes a comprehensive look at the United States’ cancer rates. They aimed to measure and compare incidence rates of cancer diagnosis and mortality in different generations over time. The study concluded that the incidence rates of Gen X and Millennials were 2 to 3 times higher than those born in 1955. They are also more likely to develop 17 types of cancer. The researchers noted that the major contributing factors for this increase included environmental toxins, diet, and obesity. [1] However, more research is required to uncover the other factors involved in the rise in cancer rates. 

The Rise of Cancer Rates in Gen X and Millennials

Young Patient Lying in Bed

The same researchers conducted a similar study in 2019, finding an increase in eight cancer types in more recent generations. However, until now, no study has taken both cancer incidence and mortality by birth year into account. The purpose of this new study was to bridge the huge gap in applicable data. [2] The researchers explained that exposure to carcinogenic factors early in life affected the incidence of cancer in those aged 50 or younger. [3] More people will develop cancer in the future as these young groups carry their increased risk into their senior years.

The 17 Types of Cancer 

Cancer Word Spelled on Scrabble Tiles

The study investigated the data of 23,654,000 individuals diagnosed with 34 different types of cancer. It also included data from 7,348,137 deaths from 25 cancers. The data from this sample group was from individuals who were diagnosed and died between 2000 and 2019. What they discovered was an increase in 17 of the 34 cancers in Gen X and Millennials:

  • small intestine
  • cardia gastric
  • ovary
  • estrogen receptor-positive breast
  • non-HPV-associated oral and pharynx (in females)
  • liver and intrahepatic bile duct (in females)
  • Kaposi sarcoma (in males)
  • anus (in males)
  • colorectal cancer
  • endometrial cancer
  • gallbladder and other biliary
  • pancreas
  • kidney and renal pelvis
  • myeloma
  • non-cardia gastric
  • Leukemia

Increase in Incidence and Mortality in Gen X and Millennials

patient sat on the bed and looked out the window in the hospital alone and had stress, boredom, loneliness, anxiety. / Health care and medical

The cancer incidence increase was especially pronounced in cancers of the pancreas, kidneys, renal pelvis, thyroid, and small intestine. Additionally, they noted that mortality rates increased in five types of cancer: liver, endometrial, gallbladder, testicular, and colorectal cancers. These findings are concerning because they show that the higher cancer risk in Gen X and Millennials isn’t just because we’re detecting and diagnosing cancer more regularly nowadays. Instead, it reveals a genuine and concerning rise in cancer risk at the population level. The number of new cases is growing so rapidly that it outweighs improvements in treatment.

The Cause of the Increase of Cancer Incidence

Photo of Woman Lying in Hospital Bed

The study aimed to collect new data on cancer incidence, yet it does not reveal the causes. However, the researchers are already aware of some of these factors. Obesity was one of the major factors noted, as it is associated with 10 of the 17 cancers the study had highlighted. The problem of obesity has generally increased in all age groups since the 1970s. However, the most rapid rise has been in individuals aged between 2 and 19 years. Other factors included environmental pollutants, altered sleep patterns, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Gut Microbiome and Dietary Factors

woman hands touching on stomach with intestine virtual icon, probiotics food for gut health, colon cancer, bowel inflammatory. Healthy feminine concept.

The increase in cancer incidence has also been linked to the modern diet favored in the West. [4] These foods are typically heavily processed and are high in sugar, saturated fats, and refined grains. Not only are heavily processed foods linked to weight gain, though. They have also been directly linked to an increased risk of developing colorectal and breast cancers. Since cancers that affect digestive systems are not linked to obesity, researchers believe gut microbiome changes could be a factor. They suggest that gut microbiomes are heavily impacted by both Western diets and the use of antibiotics. 

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