Americans born between 1965 and 1980—known as Generation X—are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer compared to the baby boomers (born between 1946 to 1964) who preceded them, according to a new study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

 

The oldest Gen Xers will begin turning 60 next year. Despite decreases in certain cancers, notably lung and cervical cancers, in recent decades, other malignancies are on the rise in younger people. The study’s projections found increases in kidney, thyroid, colon and rectal cancer and in leukemia in men and women. The study also projected increases in ovarian, uterine and pancreatic cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in women. In men, the study projected an increase in prostate cancer.

 

However, the study did not turn up any answers as to why Gen Xers are seeing an increase. “Our study can’t speak to any particular cause,” lead study author Philip Rosenberg, PhD, a senior investigator at NCI, told NPR. “It gives you boots-on-the-ground intelligence about what is happening. That’s where you go and look for clues about causes.”