World Cancer Day 2025: Can age cancer trigger cancer? Doctor filling light | Health

World Cancer Day 2025: When we celebrate another year of the World Cancer Day, it is important to shed light on the less known causes of cancer. According to Dr. Shona Nag, Senior Medical Oncologist and Director Oncology Department, Sahyadri Super Specialty Hospital, Pune, can aging a main cause of cancer. Read also | World Cancer Day: destroy myths to understand the disease

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Shona Nag: “Aging is a strongly recognized risk factor due to the critical shifts and structural modifications on cellular and molecular mechanisms. In older people, these changes increase the likelihood of cancer and make cancer management and prevention more difficult. The biological relationship between aging and cancer can help to understand the physiological aspects deeply in order to develop effective plans. “

How are aging and cancer connected?

Biological mechanisms: When we get older, our body will be subjected to several changes that can increase the risk of cancer. A significant change is the cellular senescence in which the cells stop separating but do not die. These cells release substances that cause inflammation and make the body more susceptible to cancer. At the same time, our ability to repair DNA weakens weakens, which leads to genetic mutations that disturb the functioning of cells and possibly cause cancer. Read also | World Cancer Day 2025: Can too much sun lead to lip cancer? Doctor explains early signs, prevention tips

Genetic factors: Some people are born with genes who make them more of cancer. When these people get older, the combined effects of the surrounding environments and its genetic make -up can increase their chances of cancer.

Hormonic changes: Aging is associated with changes in hormone levels such as estrogen and testosterone, which have been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.

Telomeres shortening: Telomers are like protective peaks at the ends of our chromosomes that are part of every cell in our body. Every time a cell shares, these tips become a little shorter. With age, they can become so short that they no longer effectively protect the chromosomes. This can lead to the cells do not work or senize, which means that they stop sharing themselves, but do not die. These old cells can contribute to the development of cancer.

Reduced autophagy: With increasing age, our cells become less efficient in a process called autophagy, as cleaned by damaged parts and proteins. If this cleaning process does not work so well, it can lead to building cells and a damaged DNA. Over time, this accumulation can increase the risk of cancer risk.

Collection of environmental pollution: Pollutants and pollutants can increase the risk of cancer throughout life. With increasing age, our body becomes less effective when repairing the damage that these agents cause. This leads to a greater probability of developing anomalies in our cells, which can lead to cancer.

How can you prevent cancer from aging?

Lifestyle changes: Your risk of cancer increases by consuming a lot of processed foods and red meat. However, the risk can be reduced by eating a sufficient number of fruit as well as vegetables and whole grains. In addition, the immune system and other physical activities that always do sports and other physical activities will improve healthy body weight and inflammation. The reduction in alcohol consumption and the avoidance of smoking factors work wonders in order to avoid different types of cancer, especially because tobacco is strongly associated with the disease. Read also | World Cancer Day 2025: Cancer spreads from person to person? Here are 4 most common myths and facts about the disease

Regular screening and monitoring: Early identification of cancer leads to a cheaper treatment result. So take the necessary steps to identify the disease in the early stages. Regular screening is of crucial importance for those who are more vulnerable, e.g. B. mammograms, colonoscopy and skin tests.

Vaccinations: Vaccines that prevent virus-induced cancer such as the vaccine of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B vaccine are important instruments for cancer prevention.

Disclaimer: This article is only for information purposes and not to replace professional medical advice. Always look for your doctor’s advice with questions about an illness.