Risk of 17 types of cancer increased in younger generations in the US, according to a new study

The American Cancer Society revealed that younger generations in the United States face an increased risk of developing 17 common types of cancer. (EFE/Nathalia Aguilar)

The Generation X and the Millennials Americans face a significantly higher risk of developing 17 types of cancer compared with previous generations, a recent study by the American Cancer Society.

Researchers analyzed data from millions of people born between 1920 and 1990 who were diagnosed with 34 common types of cancer between 2000 and 2019. They also reviewed mortality records from the same period. “The study shows that certain cancers are appearing in younger people more frequently than in previous generations,” he reported. ABC News.

Among the types of cancer whose incidence has increased are two types of stomach cancer, small intestine cancer, estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, ovarian, liver, biliary tract and colorectal cancer, uterine and testicular cancer, gallbladder, kidney and pancreatic cancer, as well as two types of blood cancer: myeloma and leukemia.

Also, a subset of mouth and throat cancers in women, anal cancer in men, and Kaposi’s sarcoma in men are also being diagnosed more frequently in younger people, according to the study.

Studies have shown that women born in 1990 are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid, liver and pancreatic cancer. (File)

According to ABC Newsone of the most worrying findings is the rapid increase in the incidence of cancers thyroid, pancreas, kidney, small intestine and liver in women, with diagnoses occurring at rates two to four times higher in people born in 1990 compared to those born in 1955.

The trend also extends to the mortality rate for some of these cancers. According to the research, Younger generations are dying at higher rates from certain cancersincluding the Colorectal cancerwhich is being screened for in the United States.

Experts are investigating possible causes for this increase in cancer incidence. William Dahut, MDmedical oncologist and scientific chief of the American Cancer Societysuggested that there might be something different in the biology of cancer in younger patients. “We probably need to think of different ways to detect these cancers”Dahut commented to ABC News.

For its part, Kevin Nead, MDradiation oncologist and assistant professor in the department of epidemiology at MD Anderson Cancer Centerhighlighted the importance of adjusting screening practices.

Certain cancers such as ER+ and colorectal cancer have shown an increase in incidence among younger people compared to previous generations. (Getty Images)

“We should actively evaluate and adjust screening practices for younger individuals so as not to miss opportunities to find and cure these cancers,” Nead told the same outlet.She added that screening is a complex issue and more research is needed to identify who is most at risk before making changes.

Possible causes behind this phenomenon are varied. Ten of the cancers mentioned in the study are associated with body weight, suggesting a possible connection to rising obesity rates in younger generations. Nest He suggested that “perhaps that is a good point to focus efforts to improve people’s overall health.”

However, factors such as exposure to potential carcinogens, consumption of processed foods, alcohol use and lower levels of physical activity can also have a negative impact on the health of younger generations.

The mortality rate for certain cancers such as colorectal cancer remains higher in younger generations despite available screening tests. (File)

“It is almost impossible to point to a single cause”admitted Dahut“It’s easy to say yes, it’s obesity; yes, it’s lack of exercise; yes, it’s processed foods. But we don’t have the data to say that for sure.”

Despite these worrying findings, the study also revealed encouraging data. Researchers observed significant decreases in the types of cancer smoking-related risks, such as lung cancer among young people compared to previous generations.

In addition, the incidence of cervical cancer is declining, possibly due to the success of vaccination against the HPV. Although leukemia and myeloma rates are increasing, the death rate from these cancers has decreased, something that Nest attributed to improvements in treatments.