Despite huge progress in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, cancer is still an enigma to both oncologists and researchers. Several cancer-related questions are still unanswered. One aspect of cancer, which puzzles physicians, is the link between advanced age and cancer development.
Physicians at the best oncology hospital in Kolkata can show you the statistics of cancer risk and ageing. NCI data proves beyond doubt that the risk increases heavily with progression of age. Fewer than 25 cancer cases per 100, 000 people are diagnosed in the age group under 20 whereas the number jumps to 350 per 100, 000 people in the age group of 45-49 and more than 1000 in 100, 000 people aged 60 and older. Though the data is based on a survey among the Americans, the correlation between aging and cancer risk is not different in other countries.
Cancer Risk by Age
No one, irrespective of age, is 100% safe from cancer risk. It affects all – old, young and even children. However, some factors enhance cancer risk. Age plays a crucial role in cancer development. According to the NCI, the average age of people getting a cancer diagnosis is 66. It implies that nearly half of all cancer diagnosis occurs in people 66 and older. In other words, the risk continues to go up with age.
The pattern of advancing age and increasing cancer diagnosis is found in cancer overall. However, the incidence of cancers in individuals may be substantially different. Some cancers are more common in young people and even children.
Ø 25% of all bone cancer cases are found in children and teenagers. The average age of an individual diagnosed with bone cancer is 46.
Ø 50% of all cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed in men in the age group 20-34. The average age of a man diagnosed with testicular cancer is 32.
Ø More than 50% of all acute lymphatic leukaemia (ALL) cases are found in people under age 20. The average age of ALL diagnosis is 17.
Ø More than 40% of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma are 34 years or younger. The average age of a patient getting a HL diagnosis is 39.
Advanced Age and Cancer Risk
The physicians at the cancer hospitals in Kolkata explain there are some straightforward reasons for the link between advanced age and higher cancer risk.
A strong immune system can protect our body from several diseases including cancer. Ageing makes our immune system weaker and hence, it becomes less effective in killing malignant cells before they grow and multiply. An interesting fact is our immune system starts slowing down around age 20. However, deterioration accelerates in the 60s. As immunity gets weaker, the immunity system takes time to respond to any abnormal cell activities (it’s common in all cancer types) and hence fails to correct the issues in time.
A human body is like a Xerox machine that makes copies of old cells and replaces the ageing ones. Just like an old machine, a human system fails to produce copies similar to the original versions over time. As a result, the number of defective cells increases and it pushes the cancer risk upward.