There’s a worrying new clue highlighting why so many young Australians are being diagnosed with cancer, with researchers finding younger generations may be ageing faster internally, potentially increasing their risk.
We may be living longer, but according to new research, we’re ageing faster. A global study of more than 160,000 people found younger generations appear to have more signs of wear and tear and inflammation.
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Their biological age is exceeding their actual age.
Scientists believe that may help explain why younger adults are being diagnosed with cancers traditionally associated with older age.
Australian doctors say it’s another piece of the puzzle, but not the whole answer.
“The key gap now is trying to understand what’s driving that lifestyle changes, the obesity, the microplastics. They’re all things that could be conduits for that acceleration in ageing,” Dr Lochlan Fennell from the University of the Sunshine Coast said.
Dr Lochlan Fennell from the University of the Sunshine Coast. Credit: 7NEWS
Kylie Swords knew something wasn’t right, but her GP said she was too young to worry. Last year, she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer.
“I was 37. I had two really young kids. I was working full time. It was a huge shock, a huge surprise,” she said.
After gruelling surgery and treatment, she’s in remission.
“Get a second opinion if you’re not happy with the answers. You’re the expert on your body. Nobody’s too young for this stuff,” Swords said.
Kylie Swords was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 37. Credit: 7NEWS
It could be that the future of cancer detection isn’t just about counting how old you are, but measuring that biological age, looking for signs of wear and tear to determine if more tests are needed.
Doctors say there’s no right way to reverse ageing, but a healthy lifestyle is a good place to start.
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