Global incidence of cancer among 14-to 49-year-olds increased by almost 79 percent between 1990 and 2019. Deaths also increased by 27.7 percent.
Breast, tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer, as well as stomach and intestinal cancer, showed the highest mortality. US research team discovered a connection between a person's biological age and cancer. Because age is a main risk factor for many types of cancer, older age also means a higher risk of developing cancer. The study, recently presented at the American Association of Cancer Research's annual conference, includes medical records from 148,724 people. For the study, nine blood-based markers that correlate with biological age were evaluated. Using an algorithm, the biological age of the people could be calculated. Lower levels are associated with longer life expectancy and lower levels with higher levels with lower life expectancy. The research team also expects a further increase in the incidence and mortality of cancer among younger people by 2030. The researchers identified the main causes for this increase as nutritional factors and alcohol and tobacco consumption. People born after 1965 are 17 percent more likely to experience accelerated aging than people born between 1950 and 1954. The strongest connections are with lung, stomach, and colon cancer as well as uterine cancer. For every standard deviation by which accelerated aging increases, the risk of early lung cancer increases by 42 percent. If our results are confirmed, measures to slow down biological aging could be a new way to prevent cancer. And screenings tailored to younger people with signs of accelerated aging could help detect cancers early. The WHO expects a sharp increase in cancer cases in the next few years due to the aging of the population. For confidential support, call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. In Australia, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 0800 555 111.