Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC)—cases diagnosed before the age of 50—has been steadily increasing. Despite advancements in understanding and screening, the reasons behind this rise remain unclear. Could the answer lie not purely in one’s chronology, but deeper in how their body is aging?
A recent study conducted at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center sheds light on this possibility, tying accelerated biological aging to a higher risk of developing colon polyps, a known precursor to colon cancer. This finding represents a shift in perspective for cancer risk assessments and preventive healthcare strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding biological age.
Biological Age vs. Chronological Age
Chronological age marks the number of years you’ve lived, but biological age measures how well your body functions relative to those years. It takes into account factors like lifestyle, environmental influences, and genetics. Unlike your birth certificate, biological age reflects how your choices and surroundings shape your body’s physiology.
While someone who is 50 years old chronologically may appear healthy, their biological age might reveal significant signs of wear and tear—poor cellular function, prolonged inflammation, or even underlying disease risks. Tools like GlycanAge measure biological age by analyzing immune markers such as glycans, sugar molecules that indicate the body’s inflammatory state and overall health.
The Groundbreaking Study
The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s study highlights a pivotal connection between accelerated biological aging and the risk of precancerous colon polyps. Each additional year of accelerated aging was associated with a 16% higher likelihood of polyp development.
This discovery is part of the rapidly evolving field of epigenetics, which examines how changes in DNA expression and function influence aging and disease. The findings underline a fundamental issue in cancer prevention—chronological age alone may not provide an accurate picture of a person’s risk factors.
Key Findings Include:
- Accelerated biological aging correlates with increased polyp risk.
- Gender plays a significant role in determining risk, with men showing a higher likelihood of developing precancerous polyps.
- Lifestyle factors traditionally associated with colon cancer, like smoking or obesity, showed weaker links to polyp development than expected when considered in the context of biological age.
Dr. Shria Kumar, one of the study’s authors, adds weight to these findings, noting biological age as a potentially more precise marker for assessing precancerous risk.
Implications for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Expanding Risk Assessment
Current colorectal cancer screening guidelines typically recommend starting colonoscopies at age 45. While this adjustment reflects rising EOCRC rates, it may not suffice for younger individuals aging biologically faster than their calendar years suggest.
Taking biological age into account could revolutionize screening protocols, allowing for risk stratification and earlier colonoscopies tailored to high-risk individuals. Early screenings would lead to more timely removal of precancerous polyps, reducing the likelihood of cancer development.
The Unique Role of Colonoscopies
Though non-invasive stool-based tests offer convenience, colonoscopies remain unmatched in preventing colorectal cancer. Unlike other tests, a colonoscopy not only detects abnormalities but allows immediate removal of concerning polyps during the same procedure. Coupling this gold-standard diagnostic tool with biological age assessments could empower clinicians to intervene at optimal moments.
Gender Differences in Polyp Risk
The study also revealed surprising gender-based risk disparities. While traditional risk factors like weight or smoking played a secondary role, gender emerged as a prominent influencer—with men exhibiting a greater likelihood of developing precancerous polyps.
This finding invites further research to understand gender-specific risk mechanisms and refine prevention strategies for a more equitable healthcare approach.
Future Directions for Biological Age Testing
Personalized Risk Calculations
Imagine a future where clinicians use risk calculators that incorporate biological age alongside lifestyle and genetic data. Such tools could provide individuals with tailored screening timelines and actionable prevention plans, redefining cancer care as truly personalized medicine.
Expanded Studies for Validation
The study’s promising findings emphasize the need for larger, multi-center trials to validate its conclusions. Broader data sets will increase confidence in using biological age as an integral factor for cancer prevention strategies, scaling its benefits to more healthcare systems.
Innovations in Epigenetic Tools
The evolving field of epigenetics lays the groundwork for next-generation diagnostic tools. For example, more comprehensive biological age assessments could pinpoint additional vulnerabilities, enabling preventative measures well before significant health issues arise.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Kumar highlights that biological aging could be a game changer for understanding EOCRC risk, paving the way for proactive measures to address this growing health challenge. Her stance is echoed by Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, who suggests that biological age testing could prove consequential in preventing and understanding colon cancer in younger adults. He noted, “The findings could have major consequences in terms of colon cancer prevention, particularly among young individuals not traditionally considered at risk.”
Both experts stress the importance of continued research to incorporate biological age testing into routine healthcare practices.
Practical Takeaways for the Health-Conscious
If you’re looking to prioritize your health:
- Consider Biological Age Testing: Tools like GlycanAge offer actionable insights into your immune health and systemic inflammation, which contribute to biological age.
- Adopt Preventative Practices: A balanced lifestyle—rich in unprocessed foods, regular exercise, and stress management—is key to slowing biological aging.
- Engage in Routine Screening: Don’t wait for symptoms to arise. Speak with your doctor about your risk factors, including how biological age might influence them.
Moving Toward a Healthier Future
Research linking accelerated biological age to colon cancer risk showcases the potential of personalized medicine. By shifting the focus from generalized age-based guidelines to biologically informed risk assessments, we edge closer to a healthcare model designed around individual well-being.
Colorectal cancer rates in young individuals are rising, but tools that combine biological age testing with routine screenings provide hope for more effective prevention. Continued research—strengthened by collaboration across disciplines—will help refine strategies to mitigate this emerging challenge.
This study represents an important step forward in our understanding of how nuanced health measurements can lead to better clinical outcomes. With more work, biological age could reshape cancer prevention and redefine benchmarks for health and longevity.
Are you ready to take the next step? Contact Body Rejuvenation today to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll help you regain balance, improve your overall health, and reclaim the quality of life you deserve.
