The FINANCIAL — Women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer have increased biological aging compared to women who remain free of breast cancer, according to a new study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and their collaborators. Among women diagnosed with breast cancer, the association with faster biological aging was most pronounced for those who received radiation therapy, while surgery showed no association with biological aging. This finding suggests that developing cancer is not what increases the aging effect.
“Of the three treatment classes we looked at, radiation therapy had the strongest associations with the biologic age measures assessed in the study,” noted Jack Taylor, M.D., Ph.D., the senior author on the paper who is an Emeritus Scientist at NIEHS. “The increases can be detected years after treatment.”
Biological age reflects a person’s cell and tissue health, and it differs from chronological age. To measure biological age, the researchers studied 417 women who had blood samples collected at two time points about eight years apart. About half of the women studied were selected because they had developed breast cancer during that time span. The participants are enrolled in the Sister Study, a research effort that seeks to identify environmental risk factors for breast cancer risk and other health conditions, led by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH.
The researchers used three different established “methylation clocks” to determine if there were changes in a women’s biological age between the two time points. The clocks measure naturally occurring, chemical modifications to a person’s DNA, known as methylation changes. Small variations in methylation patterns can help determine a person’s risk of developing an age-related disease.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer had faster aging rates by all three clocks, with no significant racial differences, when compared to women who did not develop breast cancer.
Next the scientists examined whether biological age was associated with specific treatment regimens, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and endocrine therapy. Among women with breast cancer, aging rates varied by treatment type.
“Radiation is a valuable treatment option for breast cancer, and we don’t yet know why it was most strongly associated with biological age,” noted Dale Sandler, Ph.D., chief of the NIEHS Epidemiology Branch and a co-author on the paper. “This finding supports efforts to minimize radiation exposures when possible and to find ways to mitigate adverse health effects among the approximately 4 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.”
The scientists emphasized that women should not abandon radiation therapy as an option based on this research. Current breast cancer treatments that include radiation are very effective in preventing breast cancer from spreading.
“Women faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, should discuss all possible treatment options with their doctors to determine the best course of treatment for them,” said Katie O’Brien, Ph.D., a scientist in the NIEHS Epidemiology Branch and a co-author on the paper.
The lead author, Jacob Kresovich, Ph.D., is currently a researcher in the Cancer Epidemiology Program at the Moffit Cancer Center. He began this work while a post-doctoral researcher in Taylor’s research group in the intramural research program at NIEHS. The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
What Is Radiation Therapy and How Does It Work?
Also referred to as radiotherapy, radiation therapy uses targeted energy, such as X-rays and radioactive substances, to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may also be used to alleviate certain symptoms depending on the type of cancer being treated. This method of treatment works by damaging, killing, or disrupting the DNA in cancer cells and hindering its ability to grow and divide.
Radiation therapy does not kill cancer cells right away. This process can take several days or weeks depending on the patient and the type of cancer that’s being treated. Another factor is the type of radiation therapy used. The various forms of radiation therapy include:
External beam radiation therapy
Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)
Systemic radiation therapy
Caring For Someone Who Has Undergone Radiation Therapy
Caregivers and loved ones of patients who are receiving radiation therapy need to be aware of any concerns and potential dangers. Patients receiving external beam radiation therapy have no radiation in their bodies and therefore are safe to be around immediately following treatment. However, those who receive internal and systemic radiation can give off radiation for a short time after treatment, which can increase the risk for those who come into close contact with the patient. Caregivers and loved ones should avoid touching the patient and limit the time they spend with them during these periods.
While caregivers and family members must do their part, patients undergoing radiation treatment can also take precautions to help reduce the risk of exposure for their loved ones. Consider the following tips:
- Flush the toilet twice after each use and wash hands thoroughly
- Use separate utensils and towels, being sure to wash them after each use
- Use the toilet sitting down to limit the splash of bodily fluid
- Refrain from kissing loved ones
- Try to keep 6 feet of distance between others
- Sleep in a separate bed in a separate room
- Avoid touching pets
- Drink extra fluids to flush the radioactive material out of the body
- Avoid infants, children, and pregnant women
- Wash loads of laundry separate from the rest of the household, including sheets
- Plan to remain home and avoid work, schools, and other places with lots of people
Do Not Believe These Myths About Breast Cancer
There are many common cancer myths. This is likely because the prospect of a cancer diagnosis is frightening. A normal reaction to fear is telling a story that allows us to feel safe. Unfortunately, when we believe unfounded statements about breast cancer, we may miss some signs that lead to its detection. We may even skip an annual visit for a mammogram or ultrasound. These screenings are very important because when pre-cancerous conditions and cancers are discovered early, there are more treatment options available for better health outcomes.
Here are some of the most common myths regarding the disease:
MYTH: Underwire Bras Increase Breast Cancer Risk
There is no evidence that any type of bra leads to the development of breast cancer.
MYTH: Only Worry if Breast Cancer Runs in the Family
Unfortunately, many people are the first in their families to be diagnosed with breast cancer. There are only a few types of breast cancer that are known to be passed genetically.
MYTH: Radiation from X-Rays Causes Breast Cancer
While it’s true that certain types and levels of radiation exposure can lead to cancers, it’s also true that we are exposed to radiation through natural causes, including the sun. Low levels of radiation used during imaging procedures pose a very small risk, which is far outweighed by the important medical information contained in the images.
MYTH: Young People Don’t Get Breast Cancer
People of all ages are diagnosed with breast cancer. While the risk may increase with age, this does not mean younger people are not at risk.
MYTH: Only Women Get Breast Cancer
Men can get breast cancer, too. That’s why people of all gender identities and sexes should be aware of early signs and bring any concerns to a medical professional.
MYTH: Having an Abortion Increases the Chance of Breast Cancer
No studies or medical evidence have shown a relationship between abortion and breast cancer.
MYTH: In Vitro Fertilization Drugs Cause Breast Cancer
The IVF process has not been shown to cause breast cancer. Women who undergo this process are diagnosed at the same rate as everyone else in the population.
MYTH: Mammograms Spread Breast Cancer
While the pressure put on the breasts during a mammogram may be uncomfortable, there is no evidence this imaging technique causes breast cancer to spread. In fact, this is one of the main ways breast cancer is detected. Catching these cancers early can lead to lifesaving breast cancer treatments.
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