Accelerated ageing and colon polyps
A person's biological age could potentially predict their risk of developing one of the most common cancers in the UK, according to a recent study. The concept of having a higher biological age than chronological age, known as 'accelerated ageing', could help identify individuals at risk of developing colon polyps, a known risk factor for bowel cancer.
Early detection is crucial
The study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, highlights the importance of early detection in bowel cancer. Detecting cancer at an early stage significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival, making early screening vital.
Factors influencing accelerated ageing
Various factors can contribute to accelerated ageing, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress. These factors can lead to faster cellular decline and increase the risk of age-related diseases.
Key takeaways and future research
The study suggests that risk-based screening for bowel cancer based on biological age could be beneficial in identifying individuals at higher risk. The researchers are planning to conduct further research with larger sample sizes to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between biological age and cancer risk.
