How Accelerated Biological Aging Is Changing the Cancer Landscape: Insights from Recent Studies

This topic is deeply personal to me. My late beloved wife, Ayesha, was diagnosed with stage 4 suspected glioblastoma last October and tragically passed away in March this year, just a few days after her 50th birthday—only five months after the diagnosis. This heartbreaking experience highlights the urgency of understanding why such aggressive cancers are affecting younger populations.

The Link Between Cancer and Accelerated Aging

Over the past two decades, extensive research has suggested a link between cancer and accelerated aging. Aging is a natural process, but accelerated aging appears to be a significant factor in the development of cancer. However, understanding how aging contributes to cancer development remains complex, particularly because studying the aging process in humans is challenging.

Recent Studies on Aging and Cancer

Recent research provides valuable insights into this issue. Two notable longitudinal cohort studies—a type of epidemiological study—have explored these connections. One study from Washington University in St. Louis, presented at the American Association for Cancer Research, investigated the role of accelerated biological aging, while another from Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital in China, published in Clinical Microbiology, explored the gut microbiota as environmental factors.

Biological Age vs. Chronological Age

Biological age refers to the condition of our cells and tissues, which can be older than our actual chronological age—the age in years since our birth. As cells age, their ability to repair and reproduce diminishes, leading to errors and imbalances in the body's systems. This accumulation of cellular damage increases the risk of various cancers.

Key Findings from the Studies

• Biological Age and Cancer Risk: The study from Washington University involved almost 150,000 people, analyzing nine blood-based markers to determine biological age. Those with accelerated aging had a 17% higher risk of developing solid tumor cancers, including lung, gastrointestinal, and uterine cancers.

• Impact of Accelerated Aging: Accelerated aging was associated with a 42% increased risk of early-onset lung cancer, a 22% increased risk of early-onset gastrointestinal cancer, and a 36% increased risk of early-onset uterine cancer. Additionally, accelerated aging was linked to a 16% increased risk of late-onset gastrointestinal cancer and a 23% heightened risk of late-onset uterine cancer.

Accelerated aging and increased cancer risk are linked to both lifestyle and environmental factors. We are all familiar with lifestyle factors such as stress, poor mental health, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets. Equally important are environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, viruses (including human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C, Epstein-Barr Virus, and, as my own research has shown, SARS-CoV-2), bacteria, and, last but not least, the gut microbiota.

Gut Microbiota and Cancer

Research from Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital identified specific gut bacteria associated with KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer, including Fusobacterium, Clostridium, and Shewanella. These bacteria are linked to diets high in processed foods and sugar, and low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.

These bacteria could serve as noninvasive biomarkers for identifying subtypes of colorectal cancer and guiding personalized treatments.

Conclusion

Understanding the link between accelerated aging and early-onset cancer is crucial. It could lead to new prevention strategies and early detection methods, potentially offering hope to those at risk. As research continues, we aim to uncover the mechanisms driving accelerated aging and its role in cancer development, ultimately leading to precision cancer prevention strategies.

References:

Siegel, R. L., Giaquinto, A. N., & Jemal, A. (2024). Cancer statistics, 2024. Ca, 74(1), 12–49. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21820.

AACR Annual Meeting 2024 | Meetings | AACR. (2024, May 8). American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). https://www.aacr.org/meeting/aacr-annual-meeting-2024/

Unthreadt.com. (n.d.). https://www.unthreadt.com/

Khan, N. A., Benner, R. (2021). Treatment of COVID-19 and related pathologies. Patent WO2021261993A1, Published 30 December 2021.

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