Jessica Jones: Generation X and millennials at higher risk for certain types of cancer compared to previous generations
Jessica Jones, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System shared a post on LinkedIn:
“A new study published in the Lancet Public Health journal reveals that Generation X and millennials are at higher risk for certain types of cancer compared to previous generations.
Researchers from the American Cancer Society examined 34 common cancers, finding increased incidence rates in 17
( including breast, pancreatic and gastric cancers) of these for younger generations.
Eight cancers showed increased rates for each birth cohort since 1920, while nine had increased rates in younger cohorts after declining in older ones.
The study, which analyzed data from over 23 million cancer patients and 7 million cancer deaths between 2000 and 2019, emphasizes the need to identify and address underlying risk factors for Gen X and millennials.
Researchers note that birth cohorts share unique environmental factors that may affect cancer risk, though the exact reasons for these rising cancer rates are not yet clear.
Without effective interventions, this trend could lead to an increased overall cancer burden in the future, potentially reversing decades of progress against the disease.
The study underscores the importance of understanding and addressing generational shifts in cancer risk to maintain progress in cancer prevention and treatment.”
Source: Jessica Jones/LinkedIn