The longer people live, the more opportunities their cells have to accumulate damage that can contribute to tumour growth. But cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, and each newer generation appears to face a greater risk than the one before it.
A study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis offers evidence that this may be happening. The team found signs that younger generations are aging more rapidly on a biological level than older generations did at comparable ages.
Scientists are still working to understand what is driving these changes. Importantly, the researchers also found that accelerated biological aging was associated with a greater risk of early-onset cancers among younger generations. In general, early-onset cancers are those diagnosed at age 55 or younger.
Chronological v Biological Age
Chronological age simply measures how many years a person has been alive. Biological age, by contrast, reflects how old the body appears based on measurable changes in cells, organs, metabolism, and other physiological systems. According to the researchers, cancer risk increased as the difference between biological age and chronological age grew. People from more recent generations tended to have larger gaps than those born earlier, suggesting their bodies appeared biologically older at the same chronological age. That generational shift could help explain at least part of the rise in cancer among younger adults.
The team also found that aging did not appear to affect every organ system in the same way. Faster aging in specific parts of the body was associated with particular cancers. An immune system that appeared biologically older, for example, was linked to early-onset lung cancer. Older-appearing fat tissue was associated with early-onset colorectal cancer.
Biological aging appears to respond best to a combination of habits rather than any single intervention. Research suggests that the trio of exercise, good sleep and healthy nutrition delivers the greatest impact on longevity and years lived in good health.
Prioritise Strength Training
Loss of muscle mass is one of the hallmarks of aging. Resistance training helps maintain muscle, bone density, balance and mobility, all of which are linked to healthier aging. Aim for at least two strength sessions per week.
Move Every Day
Regular physical activity is often described as the closest thing we have to a “fountain of youth.” Walking, cycling, swimming and other aerobic exercise improve cardiovascular health, brain function and longevity. Even small increases in daily movement can make a measurable difference.
Protect Your Sleep
Seven to nine hours of quality sleep supports immune function, brain health, metabolism and cellular repair. Research consistently links poor sleep with accelerated aging and increased disease risk.
Eat a Whole-Food, Protein-Rich Diet
Diets rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, nuts and adequate protein are associated with better cardiovascular health, muscle preservation and reduced cognitive decline. Mediterranean-style eating patterns have some of the strongest evidence.
Stay Socially Connected and Manage Stress
Chronic stress and social isolation are associated with poorer health outcomes as we age. Strong relationships, meaningful activities, mindfulness and stress-management practices support both physical and mental health.