A new study by the American Cancer Society reveals that Generation X and millennials are at a higher risk of developing various cancers compared to previous generations.

The study found that 17 different types of cancer are becoming more common among younger cohorts, particularly those born in 1990, who are two to three times more likely to develop certain cancers like small intestine, thyroid, kidney, and pancreas cancers than those born in 1955.

The most significant increases in cancer rates were seen in individuals under 30, especially for pancreatic and small intestine cancers.

The rising incidence of bowel cancer in younger generations has reversed a previous trend of decline, indicating a loss of public health gains.

Key factors contributing to this trend include poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and an obesity epidemic, with ten of the identified cancers linked to obesity.

The study highlights increased binge drinking among millennial women as a contributing factor to rising liver and esophageal cancer rates.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which are responsible for most anal cancers, may also be a factor, while the prevalence of cervical cancer has decreased among women born in the 1990 cohort due to HPV vaccination.

In men, a U-shaped trend was observed for Kaposi's sarcoma and anal cancer, which are associated with HIV infection, showing a resurgence in rates since the mid-1970s.

Despite rising cancer rates for certain types, there is a notable decline in lung cancer risk for younger generations, with individuals born in 1990 being five times less likely to develop it than those born in 1955.

These trends demonstrate that public health campaigns aimed at reducing tobacco use and promoting sun-safe behaviors have been effective in lowering cancer risks.

The research analyzed data from nearly 24 million cancer patients collected from US cancer registries over a 20-year period starting in 2000.