Women treated for breast cancer may experience accelerated biological aging compared to cancer-free women, revealed a recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its collaborators.
The researchers found that radiation therapy, one of the common breast cancer treatments, had the most significant association with increased biological aging. However, surgery showed no such effect, suggesting that the aging process is not solely attributable to cancer development.
THE METHOD
The study involved 417 women who had blood samples collected at two different time points, approximately eight years apart. Half of the participants had been diagnosed with breast cancer during this period, and they were part of the Sister Study, a research effort aimed at identifying environmental risk factors for breast cancer and other health conditions.
To determine biological age, the researchers utilized three established “methylation clocks.” These clocks assess naturally occurring chemical modifications to a person’s DNA known as methylation changes. Variations in methylation patterns can help predict the risk of age-related diseases.
THE FINDINGFS
Women diagnosed with breast cancer exhibited faster aging rates according to all three methylation clocks, with no significant differences observed among racial groups, when compared to women without breast cancer.
The researchers examined the potential association between biological age and specific treatment regimens, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and endocrine therapy. Among the women with breast cancer, aging rates varied depending on the type of treatment. Notably, radiation therapy demonstrated the strongest association with biological aging.
IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
While radiation therapy remains a crucial treatment option for breast cancer and is highly effective in preventing its spread, the study’s findings highlight the need to minimize radiation exposure when possible. As approximately four survivors live in the United States, mitigating adverse health effects is essential.
The scientists stress that women should not forgo radiation therapy based solely on this research. Instead, individuals facing a diagnosis should consult their doctors to explore all available treatment options and determine the best course of action for their specific case.
The study sheds light on the potential impact of treatment on biological aging. Radiation therapy, while valuable in treating the disease, was most strongly associated with increased biological age. This research underscores the importance of continued efforts to reduce radiation exposures and enhance the well-being of survivors. The study’s findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
