A 2024 study from The Lancet raised concerns about increased cancer rates in patients aged 50 and under. Experts point to signs of hope behind these results.
In August of last year academic journal The Lancet released a study confirming that Generation X and millennials showed a higher risk of developing cancer than previous generations – a “game changer” that we first covered at the beginning of this year. But not all hope is lost. Scientists and researchers are continuing to make strides in cancer prevention and treatment. Experts also theorize that the increase in cancer rates in those under 50 can be attributed to advancements in technology that have improved cancer screening and early detection.
The Lancet examined data on 34 types of cancer in 23,654,000 patients between the ages of 25 to 84. Researchers used data gathered between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019. Finally, researchers looked at mortality rates for 25 cancers examined in the study.
Understanding The Lancet’s Findings
Incidence rates for 8 of the 34 cancers studied increased for every cohort born after 1920. There were stark differences in cancer incidence rates between people born in 1955 versus people born in 1990. In short, the study found that:
- People born in the 1990s developed small intestine, renal and pelvis, and pancreatic cancer at rates that were 2 to 3 times higher than people born in 1955.
- Women born in later cohorts had higher rates of intrahepatic bile duct and liver cancers.
- Men born in later cohorts had higher rates of Kaposi sarcoma and testicular cancers.
- 17 out of the 34 cancers in the study were more likely to affect younger patients.
- There were also increased incidences of ovarian, gallbladder and colorectal cancer in younger cohorts.
Experts Also Point Out That There Were Some Positive Findings
Despite the seemingly grim outlook, there are a few tidbits of good news. Cancer is far more treatable with today’s technology. Survivors today are also more likely than past generations to live healthier lives once treatment is over. This doesn’t take away from cancer’s serious or emotional and physical toll. Decreased mortality rates show that science and research is saving lives and improving survivors’ standard of living.
Screening Methods are Much Better Today – and They Continue to Improve
Dr. Donald Karcher, MD, FCAP is a pathologist and professor at George Washington University. He explains, “It’s important to remember that cancer is a genetic disease. Acquired genetic abnormalities in DNA lead to cancer.”
Dr. Paolo Boffetta, MD, MPH, is the Associate Director for Population Sciences at Stony Brook Cancer Center. “In this study we don’t see the chain of mortality. So it’s true that young people seem to get at least some types of cancers more today than before, but they don’t die at higher rates compared to the past. The most likely interpretation is that these cancers are diagnosed at an early stage and many of them are cured,” Dr. Boffetta says.
We also have a better understanding of environmental risk factors, such as the presence of carcinogens and their potential influence on cancer rates. Dr. Boffetta adds that controlling obesity, diet, and exercise have a role in cancer prevention.
Despite Some Hiccups, Screening Guidelines Continue to Evolve
Dr. Karcher says, “Sadly, insurance companies will not pay for screening if criteria are not clearly met. Just just being hyper vigilant in wanting a young patient of yours to be screened doesn’t mean that they can easily be screened. There’s a very good chance screening will not be paid for. There are efforts being made to change that. Many organizations can help people who cannot afford to be screened.”
Patients have to meet strict guidelines in order to get their screening, and these are constantly evolving.
As Dr. Karcher explains, “The screening criteria for colorectal and breast cancer have changed. The need to screen younger people for cancer is clearly a reflection of increased incidence.”
Some screening methods, such as colonoscopies, can make patients nervous. Patients may decide against them due to time constraints or because of their perceived unpleasantness. But researchers are finding ways to reach more people who might be at risk of this particular cancer.
As Dr. Karcher explains, “The best colorectal screening test continues to be a colonoscopy. That test has been around for at least 30 years. However, there are now tests you can do at home by collecting a stool sample. There’s also a new blood test for screening for colon cancer. These aren’t as good as a colonoscopy, but the potential benefit of these tests is that people are more likely to get them.”
Researchers are also getting creative with some of their cancer treatment efforts. “A lot of exciting new developments in cancer treatment have to do with immunotherapy, which uses the patient’s own immune system to attack cancer cells,” says Dr. Karcher.
It’s also important for patients to do their part. Per Dr. Karcher, “Get screened, go to a doctor and discuss getting screening tests for cancer. And also just be on the lookout for any symptoms that might possibly turn out to be related to cancer.”
