Why Does the Risk of Cancer Increase with Age?
One of the most significant mysteries that has long intrigued scientists is whether cancer predominantly affects middle-aged or elderly individuals.
“In the first five decades of life, you are twice as likely to die in a car accident than from cancer,” Dr. James D. Gregory, deputy director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center, told the New York Post. “However, this changes dramatically after age 50, when 90 percent of cancers occur in this age group.”
There are several theories regarding why this shift occurs. Some recent research indicates that “inflammation” may be a key factor.
“Aging-related inflammation is a significant contributor to cancer risk in older adults,” states Dr. Brian Brown, director of the Icahn Genomics Institute in Manhattan.
“Inflammation is fundamentally a beneficial response. It is part of the body’s immune response and enables us to survive infections. But this dynamic shifts as we age. Particularly after age 40, our bodies struggle to control inflammation. This is why older individuals become severely ill with COVID, for instance. It wasn’t solely the virus that caused many elder deaths; it was the inflammation triggered by the virus that they could not regulate.”
“Everything science previously believed about inflammation is evolving,” remarks Dr. Shilpa Ravella, an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and author of “Silent Fire: The Story of Inflammation, Diet, and Disease.”
“The connection between inflammation and cancer is more intricate than was previously understood. Inflammation is actually one of the ‘hallmarks’ of cancer,” she added.
“Inflammation puts your immune system on high alert, which, contrary to common belief, impairs its ability to detect and attack cancer cells effectively,” explains Stephen Perrin, author of the new book, The Total Body Fat Fix: The 7-Day Science-Based Plan to Calm Inflammation, Heal Your Gut, and Build Better, Leaner Health!
He further stated: “As we age, our white blood cells become more proficient at producing cytokines, leading to a chronic state of inflammation that hinders the immune system’s ability to identify and combat cancer cells.”
Cancer cells (Reuters)
This theory remains relatively novel and somewhat controversial, according to Dr. Ian Neal, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego.
“Is inflammation a marker of chronic disease, or does it contribute to chronic disease?” Neal questions. “We’ve identified numerous associations between inflammation and various diseases, but correlation does not necessarily imply causation. In other words, the connection between chronic inflammation and cancer is still debatable.”
However, Ravella perceives the link between inflammation and cancer as “bidirectional.”
“Inflammation promotes cancer, and cancer induces further inflammation,” she clarified. “Whether inflammation exists in the body prior to or following a cancer diagnosis, it impacts all stages of cancer’s development and progression, which is to say, it influences the ‘tumor environment.’”
“Even low levels of inflammation, which are typically not tested by doctors, can foster cancer,” says Ravella.
What Can We Do About It?
Historically, doctors have attempted to cure certain diseases by completely eliminating infections… “But that’s akin to trying to resolve police corruption by dismissing the entire police department.”
“Inflammation is a part of the normal immune process,” Brown notes. “Suppressing it entirely would likely mean reducing someone’s immunity, which is not the goal since we rely on inflammatory processes to combat infections and even cancers. What we aim to do is suppress excessive inflammation.”
This issue can be managed through proper nutrition, according to Perrin.
He emphasizes that “anti-inflammatory” diets involve cutting out highly processed foods, which heighten inflammation, and consuming a diverse range of plant foods.
“The greater the variety of plants in your diet (at least 30 different species each week), the healthier your microbiome and the lower your inflammation,” he adds.
Why Does the Risk of Cancer Increase as We Age?
One of the biggest mysteries that has long puzzled scientists is whether cancer targets mainly middle-aged or elderly people. According to Dr. James D. Gregory, deputy director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center, “In the first five decades of life, you are twice as likely to die in a car accident as you are to die from cancer. But that changes dramatically after age 50, when 90 percent of cancers occur at this age.”
The Role of Inflammation in Increasing Cancer Risk
There are several theories about why the risk of cancer escalates with age. Recent studies increasingly point to “inflammation” as a main contributor. Dr. Brian Brown, director of the Icahn Genomics Institute, notes, “Aging-related inflammation is a major contributor to cancer risk in older adults.”
Inflammation, which is a part of the body’s immune response, serves a critical role in protecting us from infections. However, as people age, especially after 40, the body’s ability to regulate inflammation starts to decline. This is partly why older individuals are more susceptible to severe illness from diseases, including COVID-19. Dr. Brown emphasizes that the inflammation caused by the virus often leads to severe health outcomes rather than the virus itself.
Understanding the Complexity of Inflammation
Changing perceptions about inflammation are underscored by Dr. Shilpa Ravella, an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. She states that the relationship between inflammation and cancer is more complex than it was previously understood. “Inflammation is actually one of the ‘hallmarks’ of cancer,” she remarked.
Stephen Perrin, the author of The Total Body Fat Fix, points out that an immune system in a constant state of inflammation becomes less effective at detecting and attacking cancer cells. This phenomenon is exacerbated as we age, with white blood cells becoming more efficient at producing cytokines, which contribute to inflammation.
The Debate Over Inflammation’s Role
Despite the growing evidence, the connection between inflammation and cancer remains a topic of debate within the medical community. Dr. Ian Neal, an assistant professor of medicine at UC San Diego, questions whether inflammation is merely a marker of chronic disease or if it actively causes these diseases. While a plethora of studies have highlighted associations between inflammation and diseases, the causative links are still under investigation.
However, Dr. Ravella asserts that the relationship is bidirectional, stating, “Inflammation fuels cancer, and cancer fuels more inflammation. Whether inflammation is present in the body before or after cancer is diagnosed, it affects all stages of cancer’s existence.” Even low levels of inflammation that are often overlooked can promote cancer development, she warns.
What Can We Do About It?
While complete elimination of inflammation is not feasible—nor desirable, as it is integral to immune function—targeted approaches can be employed to manage excessive inflammation. Dr. Brown explains, “And eliminating it would probably mean suppressing someone’s immunity. What we want to do is just suppress excessive inflammation.”
Implementing Anti-Inflammatory Strategies
Proper nutrition is an effective way to combat chronic inflammation. Here are some practical tips for adopting an anti-inflammatory diet:
- Eliminate highly processed foods, which are known to elevate inflammation levels.
- Incorporate a diverse mix of plant-based foods into your diet; aim for at least 30 different species of plants each week.
- Consider integrating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, which can help combat inflammation.
- Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates, which are linked to increased inflammatory markers in the body.
- Stay hydrated and try to include beverages that promote gut health, like green tea and certain fermented drinks.
Table: Foods to Include in an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
| Food Category | Examples | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Berries, spinach, kale | Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress |
| Nuts and Seeds | Walnuts, almonds, chia seeds | Provide healthy fats that reduce inflammation |
| Whole Grains | Oats, brown rice, quinoa | High fiber content aids in gut health |
| Healthy Fats | Olive oil, avocados | Contain anti-inflammatory properties |
| Herbs and Spices | Turmeric, ginger, garlic | Natural anti-inflammatories |
Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle
Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can yield numerous benefits beyond reducing cancer risk:
- Improved Immune Function: A balanced diet supports a well-functioning immune system.
- Increased Energy Levels: Nutrient-rich foods provide sustained energy, helping combat fatigue.
- Better Mental Clarity: Certain dietary components enhance cognitive function and mood.
- Weight Management: A healthy diet helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers.
Keeping Informed
Staying updated on cancer research and inflammation is essential. Regular health check-ups and consultations with healthcare providers can aid in identifying risk factors early on. Understanding personal health history and engaging in preventive measures can significantly reduce cancer risk as one ages.
Personal Experiences and Case Studies
Listening to firsthand experiences of those who have integrated anti-inflammatory principles into their lives can be motivational. Many individuals report enhanced quality of life and resilience against illnesses after adopting healthier eating patterns and lifestyle changes. Sharing stories about successful lifestyle changes can inspire others to consider similar paths in the fight against aging-related diseases, including cancer.
