A new study has shed light on an unsettling health trend in the United States—cancer rates are on the rise among Gen X and Millennials. Researchers set out to explore cancer diagnosis and death rates across different generations. What they found was eye-opening: people born after 1964, especially those in Gen X and the Millennial age groups, are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than individuals born in 1955. Even more concerning, these younger generations are at greater risk for developing 17 different types of cancer.

The study points to some familiar culprits, like exposure to environmental toxins, poor diet, and the obesity epidemic. But researchers also emphasize there’s still a lot we don’t understand about why these rates are climbing so quickly.

Cancer Risk in Younger Generations Is Growing Faster Than We Thought

This isn’t the first time scientists have spotted troubling patterns. A similar study back in 2019 flagged an increase in eight different types of cancer among younger generations. But until now, no one had taken a deep dive into both cancer incidence and mortality rates by birth year. This new research aims to fill that gap.

The study suggests that cancer risk is often determined much earlier in life than we previously thought. According to the researchers, exposure to cancer-causing factors (also known as carcinogens) during childhood and early adulthood could be why these cancers are showing up in people under 50. And that increased risk doesn’t just fade with time—many of these individuals may continue carrying it into their later years.

These Are the 17 Cancers on the Rise for Gen X and Millennials

The study analyzed data from over 23.6 million people who were diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2019. It also included information from 7.3 million deaths tied to 25 different cancers during that same time. From that massive pool of data, researchers identified 17 types of cancer with noticeably higher rates in Gen X and Millennials:

• Small intestine cancer

• Cardia gastric cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

• Non-HPV-related oral and pharynx cancers (in women)

• Liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancers (in women)

• Kaposi sarcoma (in men)

• Anal cancer (in men)

• Colorectal cancer

• Endometrial cancer

• Gallbladder and other biliary tract cancers

• Pancreatic cancer

• Kidney and renal pelvis cancers

• Myeloma

• Non-cardia gastric cancer

• Leukemia

Of these, cancers of the pancreas, kidneys, thyroid, small intestine, and renal pelvis have seen the most dramatic increases. And when it comes to deaths, liver, endometrial, gallbladder, testicular, and colorectal cancers are responsible for the most significant rises in mortality.

What’s worrying is that this isn’t just a case of better screening or earlier detection. The sheer number of new cases shows there’s an actual surge in cancer incidence, and it’s outpacing any improvements in diagnosis or treatment.

What’s Behind the Surge in Cancer Rates?

The study was focused on gathering data, not pinpointing exact causes. Still, researchers have some strong theories about what’s fueling this disturbing trend. One of the biggest contributors? Obesity. It’s linked to 10 of the 17 cancers that have seen increased rates in younger generations. And obesity rates have been climbing steadily in the U.S. since the 1970s, especially in children and teens between ages 2 and 19.

Other suspected factors include:

• Environmental pollution

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Sedentary lifestyles

All of these factors can increase cancer risk, and they’ve become far more common over the past few decades.

Is the Modern Diet to Blame?

Diet plays a huge role in overall health, and when it comes to cancer risk, it seems to be a major player. Western diets, which are high in processed foods, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined grains, are associated with weight gain and obesity. But that’s not all. Processed foods are directly linked to an increased risk of cancers like colorectal and breast cancer.

There’s also growing evidence that changes in the gut microbiome—often caused by these modern diets and frequent antibiotic use—may play a role. Gut health has been tied to various diseases, including some cancers, so this is an area that researchers are keen to explore further.

There’s Still Some Good News

While the study highlights some alarming trends, it also offers a glimmer of hope. Certain types of cancer are actually becoming less common in younger generations. For example, women born around 1990 have a lower risk of developing cervical cancer, thanks in large part to the introduction of the HPV vaccine. These vaccinations became available in the U.S. when these women were around 16, offering them protection at a critical time.

Smoking rates have also dropped significantly in recent decades. As a result, we’re seeing fewer cases of cancers related to smoking, like esophageal, laryngeal, and lung cancers.

Even though the overall incidence of cancer has risen, mortality rates have declined in some cases due to better screening and early detection. That means catching cancer earlier when it’s easier to treat, which has improved survival rates for certain types.

The Bottom Line

This latest study paints a complicated picture. Yes, Gen X and Millennials are facing a higher risk of developing cancer—specifically 17 types that are on the rise. And while some of the causes are clear, like obesity and poor diet, there’s still a lot we don’t know.

The good news? We’re learning more about cancer every day. Advances in medical treatments, vaccines, and healthier lifestyle choices are helping reverse some trends. While the statistics can be scary, taking proactive steps—like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, eating whole foods, and staying active—can make a big difference.

As researchers continue to explore why cancer rates are climbing in younger generations, it’s clear that our early-life choices have a lasting impact on our health. But it’s never too late to make changes that could lower your risk.