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Researchers investigating the rising incidence of certain cancers among younger adults have identified a potential link to accelerated biological aging and risk. The study, presented at the American Association of Cancer Research's conference, analyzed data from the UK Biobank. The focus was on nine blood-based markers associated with biological age.
Findings
The study found that people born after 1965 were more likely to exhibit accelerated aging, which was associated with a higher risk of early-onset cancers, particularly lung, stomach, intestinal, and uterine cancers. Accelerated aging is when biological age is higher than chronological age. They also found that for every increase of 1-SD in accelerate aging, there was:
- 42% increased risk of early-onset lung cancer
- 22% increased risk of early-onset gastrointestinal cancer
- 36% increased risk of early-onset uterine cancer
Although the study did not determine why these cancers showed the strongest correlation with accelerated aging, researchers suggest that factors such as tissue vulnerability to aging and inflammation may play a role. Researchers believe that identifying individuals at higher risk due to accelerated aging could lead to better screening strategies and targeted interventions. These include lifestyle changes and potentially senolytic medications, which target and eliminate damaged and aging cells. However, further research is needed to determine the efficacy and eligibility criteria for such interventions.
Cancer Research
Scientists are exploring various ways to improve detection and treatment. This includes developing better screening methods, studying how lifestyle factors like diet and exercise influence cancer risk, and investigating new treatments like senolytics, which target aging cells. While these advancements are promising, more research is needed to make these treatments widely available and effective for everyone.
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