Breast cancer survivors show accelerated aging effects

Breast cancer survivors often experience rapid aging, which may be linked to the cancer and its treatments. A new study in Aging examined this phenomenon, known as Phenotypic Age Acceleration (PAA), among breast cancer patients. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women around the world. Thanks to early detection and treatment, many patients now live longer. In the U.S., there are about four million breast cancer survivors. Even though they survive, many face challenges such as faster mental decline and physical weakness compared to those without cancer. The study involved over 1,600 participants, including 1,264 breast cancer patients and 429 women without cancer. The breast cancer patients were generally older and had a higher mortality rate than the controls. At the time of diagnosis, most patients had early-stage cancer, but a significant number had more severe cases. The research found that breast cancer patients showed higher levels of accelerated aging compared to the healthy control group. Initially, patients were on average four years older in terms of aging markers than their chronological age. This gap shrank over time but remained significant at the ten-year mark. Factors such as age at diagnosis and cancer stage affected how rapidly patients aged. Older patients tended to age faster over time, while those with advanced cancer stages showed persistent accelerated aging. Different cancer types also influenced aging rates, with some subtypes aging more quickly than others. Treatment methods played a role in how patients aged. Surgery appeared to have a protective effect, while chemotherapy and other therapies often accelerated aging. Hormone therapy particularly seemed to contribute to faster biological aging. The study suggests that various factors may lead to accelerated aging in breast cancer survivors, including the effects of chemotherapy and hormone treatments. These impacts may last long after treatment has ended. The researchers emphasize the need for more studies to better understand how different factors affect aging in breast cancer survivors. This knowledge could be crucial for improving long-term care and overall quality of life for these patients.