Breast cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for 25% of all cancer cases worldwide.

Age is a major risk factor for breast cancer. However, there are two types of age: chronological age and biological age.

Chronological age is based on the number of years a person has been alive, while biological age is a reflection of a person’s physical and biological condition and is often measured by biomarkers such as telomere length or DNA methylation.

In this article, we will explore the relationship between biological and chronological age and the risk of breast cancer.

How biological age affects the risk of breast cancer

Studies have shown that biological age is a better predictor of breast cancer risk than chronological age.

One study found that women with a biological age that was 15 years older than their chronological age were at a 40% increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to women whose biological age was the same as their chronological age.

Another study found that women with a faster biological age (as measured by DNA methylation) had a higher risk of breast cancer than women with a slower biological age.

This suggests that the rate at which our cells age may be a key factor in the development of breast cancer.

There are several ways in which biological age may affect the risk of breast cancer:.

Cellular senescence

Cellular senescence is a natural process that occurs as we age. It is a state of permanent growth arrest that prevents damaged cells from dividing.

While cellular senescence is an important mechanism for preventing cancer, it can also lead to the accumulation of senescent cells, which can promote inflammation and other factors that contribute to cancer development.

Several studies have shown that the accumulation of senescent cells is a risk factor for breast cancer.

One study found that women with a higher number of senescent cells in their breast tissue had a higher risk of breast cancer than women with fewer senescent cells.

Telomere length

Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of our chromosomes. They shorten as we age and when they become too short, the cells can no longer divide and become senescent.

A study found that breast cancer patients had shorter telomeres than women without breast cancer, suggesting that telomere length may be a risk factor for breast cancer.

DNA methylation

DNA methylation is a process by which methyl groups are added to DNA, altering its function. Age-related changes in DNA methylation can affect gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer.

Studies have found that breast cancer patients have different DNA methylation patterns than women without breast cancer.

For example, one study found that women with breast cancer had higher levels of methylation at certain gene sites compared to women without breast cancer.

How chronological age affects the risk of breast cancer

Chronological age is one of the most well-established risk factors for breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in women over the age of 50.

There are several reasons why breast cancer risk increases with age:.

Hormonal changes

As women age, the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in their bodies change. These hormonal changes can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells, making breast cancer more likely.

Exposure to environmental factors

As we age, we may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer. For example, exposure to radiation or certain chemicals can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Genetic changes

As we age, our DNA may accumulate mutations or changes that can increase the risk of cancer. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both biological and chronological age are important risk factors for breast cancer.

Biological age may be a better predictor of breast cancer risk than chronological age, as it takes into account a person’s physical and biological condition.

Nonetheless, chronological age is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, and women over the age of 50 should be regularly screened for breast cancer.

Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should discuss their risk with their healthcare provider and consider genetic testing or other preventive measures.