Cancer has traditionally been considered a disease that affects older generations, but a new study suggests that more than a dozen types of cancer are affecting younger adults.
The researchers reviewed cancer case rates based on people’s birth years.
“Similar groups have the same kind of social and environmental stress, probably also diet, as others who were born during that period,” adds Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer, American Cancer Society.
A new study by researchers at the American Cancer Society found that those born between 1965 and 1996 had a higher risk of developing 17 of 34 types of cancer studied than older generations.
This includes breast, pancreatic and gastric cancer.
Death rates in this younger age group are also higher for liver cancer in women, as well as uterine, gallbladder, testicular, and colorectal cancer.
“It’s important to know that we don’t have a simple solution to this complicated problem,” adds Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer, American Cancer Society.
That’s why experts say more research is needed to find the cause of these rising rates of certain cancers in younger adults.
For now, researchers say Gen Xers and millennials should stay alert.
“If you have unexplained symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, change in stool, be sure to seek medical attention. And if you are told it can’t happen to you because you are too young, advocate for yourself,” adds Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer, American Cancer Society.
Although the cause of the increase in certain types of cancer in younger generations of adults is unknown, experts say many are related to obesity.
So one idea is that certain types of foods are having an impact on these cancer rates.
