A groundbreaking study has revealed that biological age, which measures the body's physiological state, could play a crucial role in predicting the risk of developing colon polyps—a precursor to colorectal cancer. According to the research conducted by the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, for every year a person’s biological age outpaces their chronological age, their risk of developing colon polyps rises by 16%.

This innovative study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, highlights the potential for earlier screenings in individuals experiencing accelerated aging. Biological age is distinct from chronological age; while the latter refers to the number of years since birth, biological age reflects how well the body is functioning. It is influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices (including diet, exercise, and sleep), and environmental exposures like stress and pollution.

The study's findings suggest that people who experience accelerated aging—where their biological age exceeds their chronological age—may be at higher risk for serious health issues, including colorectal cancer. For example, a 50-year-old with a biological age of 55 could experience a higher likelihood of developing colon polyps, which are often precursors to cancer. The study's results add to the growing body of evidence that aging faster than normal can increase the risk of various diseases, including cancers.

Dr. Shria Kumar, a gastroenterologist and clinical epidemiologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, explained that while biological age is already considered a marker for life expectancy and cancer risk, its role in cancer prevention is still not fully understood. "Our study presents promising associations between biological age and the risk of precancerous polyps, particularly in individuals under 50," she said.

Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer on the Rise

Colorectal cancer rates among individuals under the age of 50, known as early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), have been steadily increasing. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of EOCRC has risen by 2% annually since 2011. Despite the overall low risk for the general population, the increasing prevalence has raised concerns about how to better identify individuals at highest risk.

"While EOCRC remains rare, there are many individuals at risk," Dr. Kumar stated. "To effectively combat this, we need a risk-stratified approach to identify those at the greatest risk, ensuring they undergo colonoscopies at an earlier stage to remove precancerous polyps before they develop into full-blown cancer."

In response to the growing threat, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently lowered the recommended starting age for colorectal cancer screenings from 50 to 45. However, with nearly half of EOCRC cases occurring in individuals younger than 45, this adjustment may not fully address the issue. Dr. Kumar emphasized that incorporating biological age into screening guidelines could help better identify those at higher risk, even before they reach the current age threshold for screening.

Biological Age and Colon Polyps: A Surprising Link

The study used advanced DNA analysis to calculate biological age and compare it with colonoscopy results. It found that accelerated aging was a stronger predictor of colon polyp development than traditional risk factors such as obesity or smoking. Interestingly, gender emerged as a more significant factor, with men being more likely to develop pre-cancerous polyps than women.

The researchers suggest that the link between biological age and polyp formation could help refine colorectal cancer screening strategies. By prioritizing individuals with accelerated biological aging, doctors could catch potential cancer cases earlier, preventing their development through early intervention, such as colonoscopies.

Implications for Cancer Prevention

This research has significant implications for colorectal cancer prevention, especially in the context of the increasing rates of early-onset colorectal cancer. Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, a surgical oncologist at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in the study, praised the findings as "provocative." He noted that while the study's sample size was small, it could offer valuable insights into the rise of colon cancer among young adults. "Biological age, evaluated through a blood test, could be a crucial factor in identifying individuals at a higher risk of precancerous polyps," Dr. Bilchik said.

He further added that further validation studies are necessary to confirm the clinical value of these findings, but the research presents an exciting avenue for improving early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

As the study emphasizes, biological age could become an important tool in risk stratification, offering a more precise method of identifying individuals at higher risk of developing colon polyps and, ultimately, colorectal cancer. With continued research and larger studies, these findings may revolutionize how colorectal cancer is prevented in the future.