AGE MATTERS
The six signs you’re an ‘accelerated ager’ – as study finds biological age could predict killer cancer risk
Certain lifestyle changes could help you lower your biological age
A PERSON'S biological age could predict their risk of one of the most common cancers in the UK, according to a new study.
Having a higher biological age than chronological age is a concept known as 'accelerated ageing' and could identify who's at risk of developing colon polyps, a known risk factor the bowel cancer, the research found.
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Biological age is a measure of how old a person's cells are and how well their body is functioning, based on physiological evidence.
The findings, published in Cancer Prevention Research, suggested those ageing faster than their actual age - accelerated agers - may benefit from early bowel cancer screening.
Early detection of bowel cancer is crucial because it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Cancer caught in its early stages is much more treatable and often requires less invasive procedures compared to when it has spread to other parts of the body.
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"Biological age is an interesting concept, and it leads to the idea of accelerate ageing when your biological age exceeds your chronological age," explained Shria Kumar, a bowel cancer researcher at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where the research was carried out.
For example, Kumar, the study's senior and corresponding author added, if someone is 50, but his or her biological age is 55, that's five years of accelerated ageing that might be reflected in overall body functioning.
She continued: "It sounds pretty theoretical, but actually accelerated ageing has been shown to be predicted of time to death and even multiple cancers."
Kumar noted this line of research adds to a growing area of study with epigenetics, which examines the mechanisms behind deteriorating cell functions.
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How the study was carried out
Kumar and Sylvester colleagues Chloe Brown and Maria Yow investigated biological age as a risk factor for colorectal cancer by studying people under 50 who were having colonoscopies.
The team assessed patients’ biological age through extensive DNA analysis of blood samples and compared it with their colonoscopy results.
The signs and symptoms of cancer
They found each year of accelerated ageing correlated with a 16 per cent increased risk of developing polyps.
Interestingly, the study didn't link other factors, such as body-mass index and smoking history, to polyp risk.
But it did find gender was the strongest risk factor for polyps.
Kumar explained: “While I think the biological age finding is interesting and, maybe, exciting, the strongest risk factor for having a pre-cancerous polyp remains male sex.
“While we continue to look at biological age and other risks, we also need to evaluate why sex is such a differential risk factor.”
Signs of being an accelerated ager
There are a number of factors that can contribute to accelerated ageing.
Biological age is based on physiological markers that reflect the impact of genetics, lifestyle choices and environmental factors, and usually determined through sophisticated DNA analysis.
But here are six signs you could be an accelerated ager.
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1. Having a poor diet
A poor diet can lead to accelerated ageing because it often lacks essential nutrients and antioxidants, which are crucial for cellular repair and protection against oxidative stress.
It can also contribute to inflammation and damage to vital tissues, leading to faster cellular decline and visible signs of ageing.
A poor diet may consist of primarily processed foods, such as fast food burgers, sugary drinks, and very little fruits and vegetables.
What you can do: Eat a healthy, balanced diet - a least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fibre, and plenty of water.
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2. Lack of exercise
Lack of exercise can accelerate ageing because it leads to a decline in muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular health, and overall metabolic function, especially causing the body to deteriorate faster than it would with regular physical activity.
What you can do: The NHS says all adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.
You should also incorporate strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups on at least two days a week.
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3. You're obese
Obesity is defined by excessive body fat accumulation.
There's plenty of research to suggest being obese can significantly accelerate the ageing process, as it is linked to various biological mechanisms that are also associated with normal ageing, such as increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in cellular function, potentially leading to premature ageing at the a cellular levels - meaning faster muscle decline, cognitive decline, and a higher risk of age-related diseases.
What you can do: If you're obese, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, make sure you're getting enough sleep, and talk to a doctor or other health professional about how to lose weight safely.
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4. You smoke
Smokers age biologically faster than non-smokers, and the effect has been found to be more pronounced in women.
For example, one study found female smokers aged twice as fast as non-smokers, while make smokers aged one and a half times faster.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates smoking can reduce disease-free life by up to 14 years.
What you can do: The best thing to do is to give up smoking. Going cold turkey can be tough, but the NHS offers plenty of advice on and support for those who want to ditch the habit.
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5. You drink a lot of alcohol
Results of an analysis in 2022 indicated alcohol directly damages DNA, by shortening protective telomeres.
Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that cap the end of chromosomes, protecting them from damage.
One study published in the journal Aging found a single episode of binge drinking can accelerate biological ageing by a month and a half.
What you can do: Stick to alcohol guidelines - men and women shouldn't regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
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6. You're stressed
Exposure to stress can cause inflammation and damage to DNA in cells, which in turn can accelerate ageing.
But the good news is the increase biological age is reversible after the stress ends.
What you can do: Make sure you eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. Also, practice mindfulness and take time out doing activities you enjoy, like spending time outdoors.
If you're struggling to cope with stress, you can seek professional help from services like: , , and .
Key takeaways from the study
The authors of the study believe risk-based screening for bowel cancer based on people accelerate ageing could be beneficial.
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Kumar said: "If we can develop a practical model to really identify and target higher risk people and put them through colonoscopy, we can prevent their cancers."
The team are now looking to conduct more research with larger size samples to obtain a clearer picture.
Current screening for bowel cancer in the UK
Bowel cancer screening is a test you can do at home that checks for signs of bowel cancer.
In the UK, it's offered to everyone aged 54 to 74 every two years.
It will soon be available for everyone aged 50 to 74.
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a non-invasive test that detects hidden blood in stool samples and measures the amount of haemoglobin present.
A small stool sample is collected on a stick or places in a collection tube.
If you're aged 54 to 74 and registered with a GP, you'll automatically get a bowel cancer screening home test kit through the post.
Source: NHS
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