[Generation X and millennials are at greater cancer risk than previous generations: Possible causes and implications].

Abstract

The incidence of early-onset malignancy (EOM) diagnosed under the age of 50 has been increasing worldwide. In the USA, Generation X and the millennials are up to 2 times more likely to develop 17 of the 34 most common cancers than the baby boomers at any given age. Globally, the incidence of EOM increased by 79.1% between 1990 and 2019. Early-life exposure may be linked with EOM development and may forecast a greater disease burden in the future. Possible causes and consequences are discussed with regards to cancer prevention.