Association of biological aging with prostate cancer: insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

The link between biological aging and prostate cancer (PCa) risk, particularly as indicated by elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, remains uncertain. This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2010) to explore this association. Biological age was assessed using Klemera-Doubal method age (KDMAge) and phenotypic age (PhenoAge). PCa was identified through self-reported diagnoses, and highly probable PCa was determined by PSA levels. We analyzed the prevalence of PCa and PSA-defined highly probable PCa across quartiles of biological age measures using weighted chi-square and linear trend tests. Associations were evaluated using weighted multiple logistic regression models. Among 7,209 and 6,682 males analyzed, the overall weighted prevalence of PCa was 2.86%, increasing to 9.60% in those aged 65 and above. A significant rise in PCa prevalence was observed with higher quartiles of KDMAge or PhenoAge (P for trend < 0.001), particularly in those under 65. In this younger group, higher PhenoAge acceleration quartiles were linked to increased PCa prevalence and higher risk of PCa (OR = 1.50, P = 0.015) as well as highly probable PCa in those without a diagnosis (OR = 1.28, P = 0.031). These findings suggest that accelerated biological aging is associated with an increased risk of PCa and may indicate early risk as signaled by PSA levels, even in those without a PCa diagnosis.