The study, conducted by researchers from the American Cancer Society and the University of Calgary in Canada, analyzed data from millions of people and supports related evidence of this concerning trend.
Here, an expert in cancer research and prevention explains the potential reasons behind the rising numbers.
Which types of cancers are being diagnosed more in younger generations?
Researchers studied the diagnosis trends of 34 types of cancers, and 17 of them showed increasing rates in young adults. Notably, cancer risk was two to three times higher in individuals born in 1990 for pancreatic, kidney, and small intestine cancers compared to those born in 1955.
Additionally, several cancers that had been declining for decades in older generations are now on the rise again in younger adults, including:
- Anal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- HIV-linked cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Testicular cancer
The study found that mortality rates declined or remained stable in younger generations for most cancers, with a few exceptions. The mortality rate increased in younger age groups for certain types of cancer, including endometrial, liver, gallbladder, colon, and testicular cancers.
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What are the possible causes?
According to Tracy E. Crane, PhD, RDN, director of lifestyle medicine, prevention, and digital health at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, there are various complex reasons behind the rise in cancer cases among young adults.
Cranes suggests that lifestyle factors like excess body weight, changes in exercise and diet, as well as environmental factors such as air, food, and water quality may be contributing to this trend.
The American Cancer Society reports that about 20% of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are linked to obesity, with over 40% of American adults currently affected by obesity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are other cancer risk factors to consider as well, including lack of physical activity, excess calorie intake, high consumption of red and processed meats and added sugar, low intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, increased alcohol consumption, and environmental factors like air and water pollution and food additives.
The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted cancer rates, including screenings and vaccination rates for HPV and hepatitis. Crane stresses the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce cancer risk.
What can people do to lower their risk?
Crane recommends several lifestyle modifications to lower the risk of cancer. This includes quitting tobacco use with the help of specialists, making small changes to improve diet and exercise, and staying up to date on screenings and vaccinations.
By focusing on small changes daily, individuals can gradually improve their overall health and reduce their cancer risk.
