‘Inflammaging’ Linked To Cancer In Older Adults, But There Are Steps You Can Take To Keep Inflammation At Bay

Recent research suggests “inflammaging,” or increased inflammation as we age, is a driving factor behind cancer diagnoses in people over 50, but there are some easy steps people can take to keep it in check.

Research from Dr. Miriam Merad and Dr. Thomas Marron at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, recently highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, suggests so-called “inflammaging” — age-related inflammation of the immune system — is the reason why 90% of cancer diagnoses occur in people over age 50.

While researchers are now testing common anti-inflammatories such as allergy and arthritis medications to combat inflammaging, Efrat LaMandre, PhD, FNP-C, a certified family nurse practitioner known to her more than 692,000 TikTok followers as “Dr. E, the NP with the PhD,” says there a steps people can take now to stave off chronic inflammation.

“In a younger body, inflammation shows up when its needed — then shuts off. But with age, immune cells become overreactive. That chronic overreaction can damage healthy tissues and even help tumors grow,” says LaMandre, author of “Its Not In Your Head,” focused on validating patient concerns and pushing back against medical gaslighting. She also owns a medical practice in New York and chairs the Staten Island Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees.

“As we age, our immune system doesnt just slow down — it becomes chronically activated. This smoldering inflammation, called inflammaging, happens quietly behind the scenes and sets the stage for major diseases,” she says. Studies now show inflammaging creates a perfect storm for cancer to grow—especially in older adults.”

According to LaMandre, inflammaging also raises the risk for heart disease, Alzheimers, and autoimmune issues by keeping the body in a constant state of internal irritation.

“We used to think fighting cancer meant boosting the immune system. But for older adults, calming it down might be the key. Drugs used for arthritis and autoimmune conditions are now being tested,” she said.

In the meantime, LaMandre says people can make simple lifestyle changes to help reduce chronic inflammation. “Anti-inflammatory foods, regular movement, better sleep, and gut support all help lower inflammaging,” she says.