Cancer Risk for Younger Generations Trends Higher than Previous Generations

August 6, 2024

A large new research study shows Generation X and millennials are at an increased risk of developing certain cancers compared with older generations. Generational changes in diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures are cited as probable causes of the increase.

American Cancer Society researchers found that cancer rates for 17 of the 34 most common cancers are progressively increasing in younger generations. Conversely, while incidence in these younger cohorts is on the rise, the risk of dying is decreasing or stable.

One of the researchers noted that if this trend continues it may “halt or even reverse the progress that we have made in reducing cancer mortality over the past several decades.”

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For more information, please contact the Risk Management Division by email.