A recent study has revealed that biological age, which can sometimes exceed a person’s actual chronological age due to accelerated aging, could contribute to the early detection of the risk of colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide.

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The study, published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, showed that accelerated aging is linked to an increased risk of colorectal polyps, small growths that appear on the colon lining and are a clear indicator of colorectal cancer.

Dr. Shreya Kumar, a colorectal cancer specialist at the Sylvester Center, explained that biological age reflects the influence of genetic factors, lifestyle, and environment on the human body.

She stated: “If a person is 50 years old chronologically but 55 years old biologically, this indicates five additional years of accelerated aging, which may affect bodily functions.”

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The measurement of biological age is based on precise DNA analyses, enabling the identification of damage caused by factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and lack of physical activity.

To investigate the relationship between biological age and colorectal cancer, the research team, including Chloe Brown and Maria Yu, analyzed data from individuals under the age of 50 who underwent colonoscopies.

The study found that each additional year of accelerated aging increased the risk of developing colorectal polyps by 16%.

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Interestingly, the study did not establish a link between other factors such as body mass index or smoking and an increased risk, but it confirmed that men are more likely to develop colorectal polyps before they progress to cancer.

Dr. Kumar emphasized that implementing early screenings targeting individuals with accelerated aging could help prevent the progression of colorectal cancer. She added: “If we can identify high-risk groups and subject them to early screening, such as colonoscopies, we can prevent many cancer cases.”

The study also highlighted the importance of conducting further large-scale research to develop a practical model that could improve early detection strategies for this disease.

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