Accelerated aging tied to increased cancer risk in youth: new study

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NEW YORK, April 8: Researchers investigating the rise in certain types of cancer among younger adults have identified a potential lead: accelerated biological aging. This finding sheds light on the complex interplay between aging, lifestyle, and cancer risk.

Dr. Yin Cao, an associate professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, presented the new research at the American Association of Cancer Research’s annual conference in San Diego. The study examined the medical records of 148,724 individuals aged 37 to 54 from the UK Biobank, focusing on nine blood-based markers associated with biological age.

These markers, including albumin, creatinine, glucose, and c-reactive protein, were used to calculate each person’s biological age using an algorithm called PhenoAge. The researchers then compared biological ages with chronological ages to identify accelerated aging.

The study revealed that individuals born after 1965 were 17% more likely to exhibit accelerated aging compared to those born between 1950 and 1954. Furthermore, accelerated aging was associated with an increased risk of early-onset cancers, particularly lung, stomach, intestinal, and uterine cancers.

While the study did not explore the underlying mechanisms linking accelerated aging to specific cancer types, theories suggest that vulnerabilities of certain tissues to aging and increased inflammation may play a role.

Despite the study’s significant findings, Dr. Cao acknowledges its limitations, such as the lack of longitudinal data and the need for diverse population studies. However, the implications of this research are substantial, potentially revolutionizing cancer risk assessment and interventions for young adults.

Dr. Anne Blaes, from the University of Minnesota, emphasizes the importance of identifying individuals at higher risk of cancer at a younger age. She highlights the potential for lifestyle interventions and emerging medications, such as senolytics, to mitigate accelerated aging and reduce cancer risk.

While further research is needed to refine risk assessment and treatment strategies, this study marks a crucial step toward understanding the intricate relationship between aging, lifestyle, and cancer risk in younger populations.

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