There are 7 social generation terms that group age cohorts according to people born over a 15- to 20-year span (Table). The generations signify people born and living during the same time who have comparable ideas, struggles, and attitudes. With age as a known risk factor for most cancers, the normal expectation is to see older adults with the highest frequency of new diagnoses. Recent cancer incidence rates per 100,000 individuals calculated for age-adjusted cancer occurrence show that with each successive generation since the baby boomers, cancer incidence has decreased, with one exception—Generation X.1 Their rates of cancer are not lower than those of their parents. By looking at age at cancer diagnosis and year of birth, researchers examined how rates of cancer within a certain age changed over time.
Researchers explored why the rates of chronic diseases, such as heart disorders, have declined, so people now live long enough to be diagnosed with cancer. Early detection of cancer has evolved, and treatment has progressed to promote better survival. What was Generation X exposed to environmentally? Were lifestyle habits, such as processed food consumption, alcohol use, and lower physical activity levels, negatively affecting this generation? Each explanation is one piece of the puzzle, but the evidence attributing a specific factor to the findings is unclear.
A key takeaway is that healthcare professionals must recognize the way cancer incidence has changed, as younger people present with signs and symptoms of cancer. Our evolving knowledge base allows us to see that cancer at an early age is common. Cancer has no age limit.
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