Recent research from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has highlighted a potentially significant link between accelerated biological aging and the risk of developing colon polyps, a precursor to colorectal cancer. Findings suggest that as biological age increases beyond chronological age, the likelihood of developing these polyps rises as well.
Biological age, distinct from chronological age, is determined by the physiological state of the body. It reflects how well the body is functioning and can be influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, and environmental factors like stress. Researchers have found that an accelerated biological age could be indicative of heightened risk for health issues, including cancers. This recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research enhances our understanding of the role biological age plays in identifying individuals at higher risk for colon polyps.
The study employed advanced DNA analysis to ascertain biological age and found a 16% increase in polyp risk for each year a person’s biological age surpassed their chronological age. The implications are particularly notable for individuals under 50, where early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) rates have been climbing by approximately 2% each year since 2011. Current screening protocols begin at age 45, following recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force; however, this may not be early enough given that many cases occur in people even younger than 45.
Dr. Shria Kumar, a gastroenterologist involved in the study, emphasized the importance of stratifying risk to determine those who might benefit from earlier screenings. By incorporating biological age into risk assessments, healthcare professionals may be able to better identify individuals who would benefit from preemptive colonoscopies before the standard screening age.
While existing factors like obesity and smoking were not strongly associated with polyp risk in this study, gender emerged as a significant predictor, with men more likely to develop these polyps. The researchers note the need for further exploration into why gender plays such a role and how biological aging might inform more accurate health predictions.
The findings hold promise for more effective colorectal cancer prevention strategies through personalized screening approaches. Although convenient at-home stool tests exist, colonoscopy remains the most thorough method for detecting and removing polyps. This dual-purpose procedure is crucial, particularly since polyps affect a substantial portion of the adult population.
Experts not involved in the study, such as Dr. Anton Bilchik, recognize the increase in young individuals diagnosed with colon cancer and see potential in using biological age as a criterion for early intervention. Despite the study’s relatively small scale, its results could significantly impact future cancer prevention efforts, though additional research is necessary to validate these findings.
The association between biological age and the risk of colon polyps introduces a promising avenue for enhancing colorectal cancer prevention. While more extensive studies are essential to confirm these results, the potential to refine screening protocols based on biological age could lead to earlier and more effective interventions, particularly for younger populations at risk. This approach might transform how we address cancer prevention in the future, prioritizing those most vulnerable to develop early-onset disease.
Source: Medicalnewstoday
