Last updated:
ID:
447727
Start date:
24 March 2025
Project status:
Current
Principal investigator:
Professor Yanyang Zhao
Lead institution:
Beijing Hospital, China

Aging is associated with numerous biological changes, such as decreased immune function, the accumulation of genetic mutations, and altered cellular mechanisms. In this process, contracting cancers is the most significant event that reduces life expectancy. Therefore, we are trying to understand these changes to explain why cancer incidence increases with age, particularly in breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and hematologic cancers. The first aim of this project is to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pan-cancer.

! The WHO emphasizes that healthcare professionals should pay more attention to “person-centered” clinical practices rather than “disease-centered” practices in the older population. Geriatric syndrome is the most important barrier to implementing person-centered healthcare; however, little is known about how these syndromes develop with aging. Therefore, the second aim is to understand the epidemiological characteristics of geriatric syndromes and the factors associated with them.

Studying the disparities in the incidence of pan-cancers and geriatric syndromes between different genders, lifestyles, and genetically classified groups enables us to better understand the trajectories of healthy aging.

Accordingly, cancer and geriatric syndromes are two key factors that reduced human lifespan and health span, respectively. This project aims to identify the risk factors of the two diseases and their interactions. The progress will help us to better understand the mechanism of the occurrence of the diseases and to provide potential ways (such as changing the bad life styles) to live longer and healthier.