Cancer risk growing among Gen X and millennials for 17 types of cancer

Gen X and millennials are more likely to be diagnosed with 17 types of cancer compared to previous generations, new research finds. Some are becoming more deadly.

Younger generations have a heightened risk of some cancers, new research found. 

A study published Wednesday in Lancet Public Health found that Gen X and millennials are more likely to be diagnosed with 17 types of cancer, including nine that had been declining in older adults. Researchers aren’t sure why, but say obesity is likely a leading cause.

“What is happening in these generations can be considered a bellwether for future cancer trends,” said Hyuna Sung, a cancer epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, who led the research. 

Rates of colorectal cancer — one of the 17 types — have been rising among younger people for decades, a troubling trend that sparked investigation into other types of cancer. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/cancer/cancer-gen-x-millennials-17-types-reverse-trend-rcna164376

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