Incidence rates for 17 different types of cancer appear to be on the rise among millennials and Generation X, according to a new study published by the American Cancer Society (ACS) on July 31.
Researchers discovered that incidence rates for eight of 34 cancers rose with each successive birth cohort starting from around 1920. Notably, the 1990 birth cohort experienced incidence rates two to three times higher than those of the 1955 cohort for pancreatic, kidney, and small intestinal cancers in both genders and for liver cancer in females. Additionally, nine other forms of the disease, including estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, uterine corpus cancer, colorectal, non-cardia gastric, gallbladder, ovarian, testicular, and anal cancer in males, along with Kaposi sarcoma in males, incidence rates increased in younger cohorts following a decline in older ones.
Among these, the 1990 birth cohort showed incidence rates ranging from 12% higher for ovarian cancer to 169% higher for uterine corpus cancer compared to the cohort with the lowest incidence. Furthermore, mortality rates for liver cancer (in females), uterine corpus, gallbladder, testicular, and colorectal cancers also rose in younger birth cohorts alongside increased incidence rates.
In the study, researchers analyzed data from 23,654,000 patients diagnosed with 34 types of the disease and mortality data from 7,348,137 deaths across 25 cancer types for individuals aged 25–84 from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019. The data was sourced from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. To evaluate rates across generations, they calculated birth cohort-specific incidence and mortality rate ratios, adjusting for age and period effects for birth years in five-year intervals from 1920 to 1990.
Dr. Hyuna Sung, lead author of the study and senior principal scientist at ACS, noted that each birth cohort, defined by their birth year, experienced unique social, economic, political, and environmental conditions that influenced their exposure to risk factors. Despite identifying trends linked to birth years, the exact reasons for the increase remain unclear.
The news is troubling as African Americans have the highest mortality rate for cancer compared to other ethnic groups. Colon and breast cancer are on the rise.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Offices of Minority Health from 2015 to 2019, African American men were 1.2 times more likely to develop colon cancer and 1.7 times more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to non-Hispanic white men. They were also 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with stomach cancer and 2.5 times more likely to die from it.
During the same period, African American women had similar breast cancer diagnosis rates as non-Hispanic white women but were nearly 41% more likely to die from breast cancer, ACS noted. Additionally, Black/African American women were twice as likely to be diagnosed with stomach cancer and 2.3 times more likely to die from it compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts.
Health experts attribute the cancer disparities to multiple factors. Black people are more likely to be uninsured and face barriers that hinder access to essential healthcare services, including screening and treatment, KFF notes. Beyond issues of health coverage and access, systemic discrimination and bias, coupled with social and economic inequities, contribute significantly to these disparities.
For certain forms of the disease, differences in diagnosis stages, despite similar screening rates, may arise from screening guidelines that do not account for earlier onset or higher age-specific cancer rates in various populations, as well as variations in screening quality and diagnostic delays. Additionally, racial disparities in care, particularly in diagnostic and treatment delay and further exacerbate poorer survival outcomes.
“The increasing cancer burden among younger generations underscores the importance of ensuring people of all ages have access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance, a key factor in cancer outcomes,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), added of the alarming study. “To that end, ACS CAN will continue our longstanding work to urge lawmakers to expand Medicaid in states that have yet to do so as well as continue to advocate for making permanent the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax subsidies that have opened the door to access to care for millions.”
How can you reduce cancer risk?
Reducing cancer risk involves adopting a range of healthy lifestyle choices and preventive measures. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting red and processed meats and excessive alcohol, can help lower cancer risk. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight further reduce risk.
Important steps are avoiding tobacco and protecting skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. Vaccinations against cancer-related viruses, such as HPV and hepatitis B, can offer additional protection. Regular screenings, managing exposure to environmental risks, and considering genetic counseling if there’s a family history of the disease are essential for early detection. Additionally, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol or recreational drugs contribute to overall health and reduce risk.
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