New research shows that the number of cancer diagnoses among adults under 55 is increasing. Scientists discovered that people from younger generations often have a higher biological age than their peers from earlier generations. Biological age says something about how fast the body ages, independently of actual chronological age.
Accelerated biological ageing appears to be linked to a higher risk of certain types of cancer. This applies in particular to lung cancer, colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and uterine cancer in younger people. As a result of the acceleration of the ageing process, cells can become damaged more quickly.
Biological age is measured using signals in the body, such as changes in DNA that indicate something about the health and function of cells. This helps explain why younger adults develop cancer more often than would be expected based on their chronological age.
These findings emphasise the importance of a healthy lifestyle to slow down the ageing process and, where possible, reduce the risk of cancer. Ageing healthily requires attention to diet, exercise and the avoidance of harmful substances.
Source: Original article
