You are what you eat — and Generation X and millennials specifically are seeing the impacts of that according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. It says cancer is up for these generations specifically.
Experts remind that detections due to the reduced recommended age screenings is a factor in this report. But that is just a small portion of the reason.
The study commissioned by the American Cancer Society says cancer rates for these younger generations have grown in 17 of 34 cancers. These include breast pancreatic and gastric cancers. Death rates also have increased for liver, colon, uterine and gallbladder cancers.
New York medical professionals are sharing the similar findings as well as potential causes. These include genetics, lifestyle and diet choices.
“Probably the biggest area of research in this and the area that has the highest level of credibility in this has to do with things that are contributing to inflammation," said Dr. Jeffrey Albright, an associate professor of colorectal surgery and director of surgical services at Upstate Hospital.
Albright added that a processed food-heavy diet and obesity increase cancer risk factors.
The recent research by the American Cancer Society attributed findings from looking at more than 23 million patients diagnosed with 34 cancer types in individuals aged 25-84. They add that cancer rates are increasing with each generation.