Study Links Faster Biological Aging to 8% Higher Early-Onset Cancer Risk

3 articles · Updated · newswav.com · Aug 28

Nature Medicine researchers found younger generations in large UK and US cohorts show higher biological ages at the same chronological age, a pattern tied to more cancers before 55.
Each standard increase in biological age was associated with an 8% higher risk for early-onset solid cancers overall, more than 50% for lung cancer and over 15% for gastrointestinal cancers.
The analysis used UK Biobank and All of Us data plus blood, metabolic and protein-based aging measures, and the links held after adjusting for smoking, obesity, alcohol use and family history.
Researchers said rising obesity, diabetes, sedentary habits, pollution, stress and sleep disruption may be accelerating aging across generations, though the study shows association rather than causation.
The findings add to evidence that cancers under 50 have risen nearly 25% since 1990 and could push doctors and policymakers toward earlier symptom checks, screening reviews and prevention efforts.