New research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a dramatic increase in appendix cancer diagnoses among millennials and Generation X in the U.S., with rates tripling for those born 1976-1984 and quadrupling for those born 1981-1989. Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who analyzed National Cancer Institute data, are calling for increased awareness of symptoms and early diagnosis, as this rare cancer often spreads before detection due to lack of standard screening guidelines.
Rare cancer diagnoses surge dramatically among millennials and Gen X
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️New research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a dramatic increase in appendix cancer diagnoses among millennials and Generation X in the U.S., with rates tripling for those born 1976-1984 and quadrupling for those born 1981-1989. Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who analyzed National Cancer Institute data, are calling for increased awareness of symptoms and early diagnosis, as this rare cancer often spreads before detection due to lack of standard screening guidelines.
Trending- 1 Monday (June 9, 2025): Study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
- Increased disease burden in younger generations
- Need for histology-specific investigations
- Increased education and awareness of appendiceal adenocarcinomas among healthcare providers and the public
- Potential for late diagnoses (up to half occur after spread)
- Varying survival rates (10% to 63%)
What: Diagnoses of appendix cancer have dramatically surged among millennials and Generation X in the U.S., tripling for those born between 1976 and 1984 and quadrupling for those born between 1981 and 1989. This rare cancer affects about one or two people per million each year.
When: Study published on Monday (June 9, 2025).
Where: U.S. (general); Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Why: The study highlights a worrisome trend of increasing appendix cancer rates in younger generations, indicating a need for increased awareness and early diagnosis. The exact factors contributing to this trend are still being learned.
How: Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program to arrive at these findings. The study calls for increased awareness among the public and medical community.