Though it's still considered a medical rarity, appendix cancer is rising sharply among millennials and Gen X, according to new research—raising fresh questions about what's fueling the trend, the New York Times reports. A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds that rates of the cancer among Gen X are two to three times higher than among those born in the 1940s, and among older millennials, the rate is more than four times higher. Despite the uptick, appendix cancer remains uncommon, with about 3,000 new US cases annually, compared to more than 150,000 new colon and rectal cancers. Appendix cancer affects far less than 1% of the population, Health.com reports.
The trend reflects a broader pattern of increase seen with other cancers, raising concerns about generational risk factors. Experts suggest that shared factors—such as increased consumption of ultraprocessed foods, rising rates of obesity and diabetes, and possibly alcohol use and changes in the gut microbiome—may be contributing to the increase in appendix cancer. However, because the disease is so rare, its specific causes are not well understood.
Better diagnostic techniques and reclassification of some cancers may account for part of the rise, but researchers say this doesn't fully explain the generational spike. A consortium is working to gather more data to shed light on risk factors and biological markers. Currently, there's no reliable screening method for appendix cancer. Most patients present symptoms like abdominal pain or bloating that often persist for months, which can delay diagnosis. One patient, marathon runner Richard Thoma, described a difficult treatment journey involving major surgery and chemotherapy after his diagnosis. He now plans to raise awareness by running the New York City Marathon. (This content was created with the help of AI. Read our AI policy.)
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