St. Louis, MO – New research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 suggests a link between accelerated aging and an increased risk of early-onset solid tumors. This study, led by Ruiyi Tian, MPH, emphasizes the importance of understanding biological age in relation to cancer development.
Tian and her team found that individuals born in or after 1965 were more likely to experience accelerated aging, which was associated with a higher incidence of early-onset lung, gastrointestinal, and uterine cancers. The research highlights the need for tailored preventive measures targeting biological age to improve early detection and prevention of cancers in younger populations.
Biological age, as opposed to chronological age, can be influenced by various factors such as diet, physical activity, and environmental stressors. The study examined data from the U.K. Biobank database, analyzing biomarkers in blood to determine biological age in relation to cancer risk. Participants with accelerated aging had a significantly higher risk of early-onset cancers compared to those with a normal aging process.
The findings suggest that interventions aimed at slowing biological aging could be a novel approach to cancer prevention. Detecting signs of accelerated aging in younger individuals may lead to earlier cancer detection and improved outcomes. Future research will focus on identifying the mechanisms behind accelerated aging and early-onset cancers to develop precision prevention strategies.
While the study was limited to participants in the United Kingdom, researchers emphasize the need for validation in diverse populations with varying genetic backgrounds and lifestyles. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, with no conflicts of interest declared by Tian. Overall, the research underscores the importance of considering biological age in understanding cancer risk in younger individuals.