With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and November highlighting men’s cancer and health issues through Movember, it’s essential to stay informed about cancer trends and take proactive steps for our health and financial health as well.
An alarming new study from the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows that Millennials and Generation X are at a higher risk for 17 different types of cancer compared to older generations. This study analyzed health data from over 23 million people born between 1920 and 1990, who were diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2019.
Published in the Lancet Public Health, the study takes an in-depth look at trends in 34 types of cancer. You can find the study by clicking here, but, for your convenience, I’ve summarized the key points below.
Key Findings:
- Gen X and Millennials have a higher risk of developing cancers such as leukemia, breast cancer, and gastric cancer.
- Millennials born in 1990 are 2-3 times more likely to develop pancreatic, kidney, or small intestinal cancer than baby boomers born in 1955.
- Female Millennials also face a higher risk of liver and bile duct cancer.
- Nine cancers, including breast, ovarian, uterine, testicular, and anal cancer, are increasing in younger people, even though they have been declining in older generations.
- Uterine cancer is 169% more likely to affect those born in the 1990s compared to those born in the 1930s.
- The risk of death from these cancers is also increasing, indicating a generational shift in cancer risk.
- The 17 cancers that had a higher incidence in younger people include:
- Cardia gastric, a type of stomach cancer
- Small intestine
- Estrogen receptor-positive breast
- Ovary
- Colon and rectum
- Leukemia
- Endometrial and other cancers of the uterine corpus
- Gallbladder and biliary tract
- Kidney and renal pelvis
- Pancreas
- Myeloma (white blood cell)
- Non-cardia gastric, a type of stomach cancer
- Testicles
- Liver and intrahepatic bile duct in women
- Non-HPV-associated oral and pharynx in women
- Anus in men
- Kaposi sarcoma (a cancer that causes lesions to grow throughout the body) in men
Possible Causes:
There are several possible causes for this rise. Younger generations may be exposed to cancer-causing substances earlier in life due to environmental factors, lifestyle choices, or both. Obesity is another significant factor, as ten of the 17 cancers with rising incidence are related to it. Other factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and exposure to environmental chemicals may also play a role. These factors are often interconnected, making it difficult to pinpoint a single cause.
Future Implications:
The study highlights the growing cancer risk in post-Baby Boomer generations and the future implications of these findings are concerning. If the elevated risk in younger generations continues as they age, the overall cancer burden could rise, reversing decades of progress against the disease. This could lead to higher healthcare costs and a greater need for medical resources.
Recommended Action:
Commenting on the study, Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), said, “The increasing cancer burden among younger generations underscores the importance of ensuring people of all ages have access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance, a key factor in cancer outcomes.”
As medical advancements improve and better treatments become available, more Canadians are living longer while managing illnesses or recovering. While this is a positive development, it has created a need for coverage that extends beyond traditional health and life insurance.
This is where critical illness insurance comes in. It provides financial support upon diagnosis of a life-altering illness such as, cancer, stroke, heart attack and dementia, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial worries. The lump-sum payment you receive can be used in any way you choose, such as:
- Replacing income while taking time off to recover and focus on your health
- Covering regular living expenses (rent, mortgage, car payments, etc.)
- Retrofitting your home or vehicle for accessibility
- Paying for alternative treatments and therapies not covered by your government health plan
- Accessing family support services (childcare, home care)
Critical illness insurance helps you cope financially if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness or condition by providing a tax-free lump-sum payment. This allows you to concentrate on getting better, knowing that you have financial support to help with expenses. Critical illness insurance provides that crucial financial safety net during challenging times.
As I look at your financial health holistically, I’m here to help you explore your options and find the coverage that best suits your needs. Feel free to call me at to discuss how critical illness insurance can help you and your loved ones. Together, we can create a plan that offers security and peace of mind for the future.
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