Cellular Ageing & Cancer: The most toxic couple in the longevity game?
Research shows that between ages 35-64, about 4.67% of men and 6.55% of women in India have a chance of developing cancer.
This is the first issue in our latest series on the A to Z of Longevity. Each issue will help you learn more about factors impacting your longevity, and what you can do to manage them.
tl;dr:
Research shows that between ages 35-64, about 4.67% of men and 6.55% of women in India have a chance of developing cancer. That risk rises to about 9.94% for males and 11.6% for females when the age range is expanded to 70+ years.
The link between ageing and cancer is well-documented. The 5 transformations that have an impact and must be controlled: telomere shortening, genetic mutations, senescence and tumour suppression, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune system decline.
A bio-individual longevity protocol can prevent this from impacting your healthspan. Learn more here: tiny.cc/everfaq
Longevity Lesson
In the intricate tapestry of human biology, the connection between cellular ageing and cancer unfolds as a compelling narrative.
Research shows that between ages 35-64, about 4.67% of men and 6.55% of women in India have a chance of developing cancer. That risk rises to about 9.94% for males and 11.6% for females when the age range is expanded to 70+ years.
Globally speaking, people aged 70 and above account for 50% of the world's cancer mortality burden—that's around 5 million deaths annually. Another 40% of this burden is carried by people between the ages of 50 and 70. Meanwhile, an often overlooked factor in this admittedly bleak scenario is the fact that cancer treatment options, how our bodies handle a given treatment's side effects, and how well a treatment works can all be heavily influenced by our age. They are also impacted by our frailty status—a factor described as a state of heightened vulnerability due to age-related decline.
In other words, age and frailty play a big role in determining a person’s odds of getting cancer, how they'll do in the long run, and the choices they have for treatment.
So the big question, of course, is—what can we do about this? Well, given the extensive documentation on the link between ageing and cancer, it makes sense to give our cells all the backup they can get by taking steps to prioritise longevity daily. But to do that, we first need to understand some of the key factors that so closely bind cancer and the ageing process.
As our cells navigate the sands of time, they undergo profound transformations marked by players such as telomere shortening, genetic mutations, cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune system decline (to name a few).
Telomere shortening: Cellular ageing is often associated with the shortening of telomeres, the protective caps at the end of chromosomes. As cells divide, telomeres naturally shorten, and when they become critically short, it can trigger cellular senescence or apoptosis. However, in some cancer cells, mechanisms exist to maintain telomere length, allowing for indefinite replication, leading to cancer development.
Genetic mutations: Cellular ageing is also influenced by accumulated genetic mutations over time. Some of these mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer. As cells age, the risk of acquiring mutations increases, contributing to the link between cellular ageing and cancer development.
Senescence and tumour suppression: Cellular senescence, a state of irreversible growth arrest, is a protective mechanism against cancer. Ageing cells may enter senescence to prevent the proliferation of damaged cells. Unfortunately, senescent cells can sometimes promote a pro-inflammatory environment that could contribute to cancer progression.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: Mitochondria are cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production. When our mitochondria malfunction, we face an increased risk of cancer. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to an imbalance in energy production, causing cells to rely on alternative pathways that might promote abnormal growth. Dysfunctional mitochondria also generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage DNA, a known precursor to cancer. Moreover, compromised mitochondria fail to trigger apoptosis (the natural process of cell death) allowing damaged cells to survive and potentially transform into cancerous ones. Understanding and addressing mitochondrial health may offer novel insights into cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies.
Immune system decline: Ageing is accompanied by a decline in immune function. A weakened immune system may struggle to detect and eliminate cancerous cells effectively. This immunosenescence can create an environment conducive to cancer development and progression, as the body's ability to surveil and control abnormal cell growth diminishes.
Longevity Homework
While these factors underscore the challenges posed by ageing, they also highlight opportunities for us to take proactive health measures. Understanding these biological intricacies empowers us to make informed choices that prioritise longevity and mitigate our risk of cancer. Here are some examples of such choices:
Make healthy habits a top priority: Embrace a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and adequate hydration to promote overall well-being.
Get regularly screened for cancer: Stay proactive in managing your health by undergoing routine cancer screenings tailored to your risk factors and family history. Consider blood-based cancer markers such as PSA, CEA, and CA19.9, along with imaging studies like mammography and colonoscopy.
Incorporate body examinations into your routine: Conduct regular self-examinations for specific areas prone to cancer, such as testes, breasts, and prostate. Early detection through self-examinations can be a key to effective cancer management.
Sign up for specialised tissue tests: Investigations like cervical Pap smears for targeted cancer screening can contribute to early identification and timely intervention, improving the chances of successful treatment.
By incorporating these simple yet powerful steps into your daily routine, you can proactively shield yourself against cancer as you age. Don't wait until it's too late - take charge of your health today!