A new study from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine reveals that biological age, a measure of physiological changes at the cellular level, may predict the risk of developing early colorectal cancer. Unlike chronological age, which counts years lived, biological age offers a more precise view of an individual’s health.
Researchers analyzed DNA from patients under 50 undergoing colonoscopies and found that each year of accelerated aging correlated with a 16% higher risk of developing polyps. Lifestyle factors like obesity and smoking were not directly linked to polyp risk in this study but remain associated with accelerated biological aging.
The study highlights the potential for integrating biological age into colorectal cancer prevention strategies, targeting individuals with accelerated aging could enhance early detection and reduce cancer incidence. However, further research is needed to validate biological age as a routine screening tool, as it may not accurately reflect an individual’s overall health status.
Source: https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/oncology/biological-age-linked-to-early-colorectal-cancer-risk