Is there any relation between cancer and ageing? Although I read about it at http://researchanalysis.blogspot?

Question

Although I read about it at http://researchanalysis.blogspot.com but things were not yet clear...

Answer 1

Well, yes, there is a relationship between cancer and an aging cells. But, that isn't the whole story and only explains some types of cancers found in older adults. It does nothing to explain why a baby can be born with cancer or why children and teenagers have specific types of cancer.

NCI: Childhood Cancer
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/childhoodcancers

Answer 2

There is a corelation between aging cancer. The majority of cancer cases occur after the age of 60 years. If you look at a graph, you will see the number of cancer patients increase with age. That is the statistical part of the answer.

Now for the rationale.

First, cancer is caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations. Every second our bodies are subject to carcinogens whether it be free radicals produced by our own cells, sunlight, a virus or some artifical source. There are billions of billions of opportunities for a cell (or more) to have it's DNA mutated. The longer someone lives the more opportunities exist for a mutation to occur at an important gene and subsequent actions (collection of mutations, evasion of cell repair/suicide mechanisms, evasion of the immune system, successful recruitment of blood supply) to occur.

Second, as we age, our immune systems are not as effective. Our immune systems do a wonderful job of blocking and/or kill perceived foreign matter in our bodies most of the time. It is known that people with compromised immune systems are more likely to have cancer. One cancer in particular is associated with AIDS patients (Kaposi's sarcoma).

Answer 3

As we get older we are exposed to more things that can affect our body, so as we get older we have a bigger chance of getting cancer.