Aging impacts cancer risk in a unique way – while the risk increases in our 60s and 70s due to genetic mutations building up, it decreases after 80. A study on lung cancer in mice reveals that older mice have higher levels of the protein NUPR1, leading to a functional iron deficiency that limits cell regeneration, impacting both healthy growth and cancerous tumors. Lowering NUPR1 or increasing iron levels could boost cell growth capabilities, offering potential treatments targeting iron metabolism in older individuals. This research also sheds light on the role of ferroptosis in cancer treatments and emphasizes the importance of early cancer prevention measures in young people.
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-risk-of-cancer-fades-as-we-get-older-and-we-may-finally-know-why