Association between accelerated biological aging and colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Biological age (BA) is regarded as a more accurate marker of aging than chronological age and is commonly used to assess associations with age-related diseases. The relationship between BA measures and the colorectal cancer (CRC) has not yet been investigated.

Methods: This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. BA was quantified using the Klemera-Doubal method age (KDMAge) and phenotypic age (PhenoAge), based on 13 common clinical biomarkers. The prevalence of CRC across quartiles of BA indicators was compared using weighted Chi-square tests. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between BA indicators and CRC.

Results: A total of 36,684 participants were included. The weighted prevalence of CRC showed a significant and consistent upward trend across ascending quartiles of chronological age, KDMAge, and PhenoAge, even within gender and age subgroups (all P for trend < 0.05). In the total population and gender subgroups, higher quartiles of PhenoAge acceleration showed a higher weighted prevalence of CRC compared to lower quartiles (P for trend < 0.05). Accelerated PhenoAge was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of CRC (OR = 1.767, 95% CI: 1.236-2.524, P = 0.002). However, accelerated PhenoAge was associated with the increased prevalence of CRC only in individuals older than 65 years (OR = 1.655, 95% CI: 1.143-2.397, P = 0.008).

Conclusion: Biological aging are positively associated with the prevalence of CRC regardless of gender, particularly among the elderly.