Cancer Causes Premature Ageing (IMAGE) University of East Anglia Caption Healthy bone marrow cells are prematurely aged by Leukaemia cancer cells around them. It is well known that ageing promotes cancer development. But this is the first time that the reverse has been shown to be true. Importantly, the aged bone marrow cells accelerated the growth and development of the leukaemia -- creating a vicious cycle that fuels the disease. Credit University of East Anglia Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.