NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — There’s a generational shift taking place in America, as Gen X and millennials are being diagnosed with cancer at a higher rate than past generations, according to a new study done by the American Cancer Society and released in the Journal, The Lancet Public Health.

“Something is going on that is different in Generation X and Millennials,” ACS Action Network volunteer, Dr. Bruce Waldholtz said. “Whether it’s the environment, what they were exposed to, activity levels, obesity, that is different than in prior generations.”

Cancer rates among these younger generations are higher for 17 out of 34 types of cancer including breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancers.

Dr. Waldholtz said seven of the 17 cancers are related to obesity.

Generation X is anyone born between 1965 and 1980. Millennials are born between 1981 and 1996.

“So we know that by keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, staying away from alcohol and eating a good diet are all helpful,” he said.

But more must be done he said, including increased and better screenings.

A new blood test approved this week by the FDA for colon cancer may help. Especially for those aged 45-50 who have shown less willingness to undergo a colonoscopy.

There is also a multi-cancer early detection blood test now on the market called Galleri, but it is not yet FDA approved or covered by insurance.

The American Cancer Society is lobbying for a bill now before Congress that would mandate Medicare to cover the cost of the Galleri test if the FDA approves it.

Waldholtz urges everyone to talk to your doctor about your individual risk reduction plan.

“We are not all at the same increased or baseline risk. If you have a family history of cancer; colon cancer, breast cancer, uterine ovary, melanoma, those are very important to discuss with your doctor,” Waldholtz said.

Because if nothing changes, the ACS predicts we could lose an increasing number of lives and decades of progress against the deadly disease.