Generation X is facing a concerning trend with larger per-capita increases in cancer incidence compared to Baby Boomers, as revealed in a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute analyzed invasive cancer trends in different generations, highlighting significant differences between the two groups.

The study, which included 3.8 million individuals with invasive cancer, found that Generation X (born 1965 to 1980) showed higher incidence rates for various cancers compared to Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964). Among women in Generation X, there were significant increases in thyroid, kidney, rectal, corpus uterine, colon, and pancreatic cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia. For men in Generation X, increases were observed in thyroid, kidney, rectal, colon, prostate cancers, and leukemia.

Conversely, decreases in cancer incidence were noted in certain types for both genders in Generation X. Women showed decreases in lung and cervical cancer, while men exhibited decreases in lung, liver, gallbladder cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Despite these decreases, the overall incidence of cancers in Generation X surpassed that of Baby Boomers, except for Asian or Pacific Islander men.

The researchers warn that if Millennials’ cancer experience mirrors that of Generation X, the high incidence of cancer in the US could persist for many years to come. This trend underscores the importance of continued research and efforts to address the rising cancer rates among younger generations.