Cancer and Aging: How Age-Related Changes Affect Tumor Behavior
Cancer and ageing are deeply connected. As people grow older, their risk of developing cancer rises sharply, not just because of accumulated exposure to harmful factors, but also due to biological changes in the body that make it easier for tumours to form, grow, and spread. Understanding how age alters everything from immunity to cell repair mechanisms can help patients, caregivers, and clinicians make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. While the relationship between ageing and cancer is complex, experts agree that older adults experience cancer differently from younger individuals. Tumours behave differently, treatment responses vary, and symptoms can be subtle or easily confused with those of age-related conditions. Exploring these changes is crucial for more effective prevention, earlier diagnosis, and personalised treatment strategies for older adults. How Ageing Affects the Body’s Ability to Prevent Cancer Ageing affects almost every system responsible for keeping ...