The gen-x could have higher rates of certain cancers as compared to their parents; a new study has predicted. According to the research, published in the JAMA Network Open, statistical models were used to predict how common cancer cases may be for the Generation X - or demographic cohort following the Baby Boomers and preceding millennials, born between 1965 and 1980.

However, the study said results are only predictive based on current trends rather than set in stone. “What we try to do in a descriptive study is determine where rates are going up unexpectedly,” study author Dr. Philip Rosenberg, a biostatistician in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute told Health.com.

Rosenberg said till there is “some sort of change”, cancer incidences in most countries would remain unacceptably high for decades to come.

Rosenberg said according to cancer data from 3.8 million people in the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, all demographic groups except Asian or Pacific Islander men are projected to have a higher cancer incidence than the previous generation.

Researchers have predicted that there would be a slight downfall in cervical and lung cancer due to widespread awareness of cervical cancer screening and lower rates of smoking. Gen X men may also see fewer cases of gallbladder and liver cancers. However, these declines may be offset by rises in other types of cancer like thyroid cancer, and kidney and rectal cancers. Both men and women are expected to see higher rates of colon cancer and leukemia.

Among women, higher cases of uterine, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers are deliberated, along with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to scientists, one of the main reasons behind a surge in cancer cases among the gen-x could mainly be genetic causes and lifestyles – which lead to exposure to cancer-causing agents like chemicals in food.

Also, the study highlights that younger adults are also prone to environment and lifestyle-related issues that may contribute immensely to their cancer numbers. Apart from their diet, which includes junk and processed foods, Gen Z is more prone to lifestyle problems like sedentary life and higher obesity rates.

Experts say the flora of the bowels is also changing due to the overuse of antibiotics and the presence of chemicals in food, which is a major cause for the increase in several cancers – including colon cancer. Researchers say they are also studying the impact of environmental exposures to forever chemicals and microplastics that are driving a surge in certain cancers among younger generations.

Even though doctors say there are no sure-shot ways to prevent cancer, a few lifestyle choices that you make can help reduce your risk, which include: