Gen X or Generation X is a term used to describe people who were born between the mid-1960s and 1980s. This cohort, also known as the "middle child generation" is the one between the baby boomers and before the millennials. While Gen X is known for their skills in maintaining a work-life balance and leading a stress-free independent life, there is empirical evidence that this generation faces a higher risk of cancer than their successors.The study published in JAMA Network Open by researchers from the National Cancer Institute underscored that Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) is more likely to face cancer diagnoses than Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964). For the study, they observed 3.8 million cancer patients between 1992 and 2018 and predicted that Gen-Xers will face a higher risk of invasive cancer as they turn 60 (starting in 2025) compared to Boomers at the same age. In fact, Gen-Xers are more vulnerable to cancer than any generation born between 1908 and 1964.What Is Behind The Rise?The study’s lead author, Dr Philip S. Rosenberg, stated that the exact causes remain unclear, albeit factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental pollutants, such as PFAS (commonly known as "forever chemicals") could largely contribute to it.The research found significant increases in thyroid, kidney, rectal, and colon cancers, as well as leukaemia (a type of blood cancer), across both genders. They said that for females, there is already a rise in uterine, pancreatic, ovarian cancers, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For men, prostate cancer rates are climbing.Generational Divisions Or Environmental Shifts?Health experts have warned against viewing cancer trends strictly through a generational lens. Instead, they have underscored that changes driven by environmental factors, lifestyle shifts, and early detection play a crucial role in cancer. Olga Naidenko of the Environmental Working Group urges stronger regulatory measures to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, emphasizing the critical need for cancer-prevention research.Is There A Way To Detect Cancer Before It Starts?Yes. You can detect cancerous cells before they become lethal. A precancerous condition involves the presence of abnormal cells that have an increased potential to develop into cancer. Not all abnormal cells become cancerous, and many individuals with precancerous conditions can reduce their risk by following specific medical advice or treatments. Physicians often recommend monitoring these conditions to catch any signs of progression early when they are most treatable.Precancerous conditions are frequently identified during routine screenings such as blood tests, Pap smears, or colonoscopies. These tests are instrumental in detecting abnormalities at an early stage. For instance, Pap smears have significantly reduced cervical cancer rates in regions where they are widely used.