Researchers studied people in large UK and US health databases. They looked at biological aging in the whole body and in specific organs. Early-onset cancers are cancers diagnosed at age 55 or younger.
The team found younger generations showed faster biological aging than older generations. Faster systemic aging was linked to higher rates of early-onset solid cancers, especially lung, gastrointestinal and uterine cancers.
They also found advanced aging in the immune system was linked to early-onset lung cancer, and advanced aging of fat tissue linked to early-onset colorectal cancer. The work may help target prevention and early detection.
Difficult words
- biological — Related to life or living organisms.
- aging — The process of becoming older.aging.
- systemic — Affecting the whole body or system.
- early-onset — Starting at a younger than usual age.
- immune system — Body parts that fight infection and disease.
- prevention — Actions to stop disease before it starts.
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Discussion questions
- How could knowing about biological aging help doctors prevent cancer?
- Do you think people should check their health earlier because of these findings? Why or why not?
- Have you or someone you know had a health check for cancer risk? What happened?
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