Rates of 17 types of cancer on the rise among young people: Study

The largest increases were seen in thyroid and liver cancers.

Cancer rates among young people are rapidly increasing. As a recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society showed, 17 types of cancer are increasingly being diagnosed in young people, ABC News reports.

The study, which analyzed data from people born between 1920 and 1990, found a significant increase in cancer cases among Generation X (born between 1964 and 1980) and millennials (born between 1981 and 1996).

Of particular concern is the increase in the incidence of such cancers as stomach, small intestine, breast, ovarian, liver, bile duct, and colorectal cancer. In addition, the list includes cancer of the uterus, testicles, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, and various types of blood cancer. Some of these cancers were previously more common only in the older generation, but are now increasingly diagnosed in young people.

The fastest growing cancers are those of the thyroid gland, pancreas, kidney, small intestine and liver in women, which is especially noticeable among people born in 1990 compared to those born in 1950.

Possible reasons for the increase in cancer incidence among young people include factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, processed foods and decreased physical activity. However, there is no exact data to explain this increase. Scientists admit that the problem requires further research.

Despite the worrying trends, the study also found positives.

For example, smoking-related cancers, such as lung cancer, are declining among young people. Cervical cancer cases are also decreasing, thanks to vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Improved treatments have also led to a decrease in deaths from leukemia and myeloma.

Source: RBK Life