Oscar-nominated actress Barbara Barrie has died at the age of 95 via medical assistance, following a terminal cancer diagnosis. She died on October 28, at her home in Manhattan, with her daughter, Jane Harnick, confirming to The New York Times that her death was medically assisted.
Barrie's career spanned decades across film, television, and theater, earning her recognition for her work on both screen and stage. She was best known for her performance in the 1979 film 'Breaking Away,' which earned her an Academy Award nomination, as well as her roles in the television series 'Barney Miller' and 'Suddenly Susan.'
Following her diagnosis of rectal cancer, Barrie became an advocate for raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding the disease, writing books about her experience.
Indeed, more than half of cancer cases reported in the UK occur in individuals over the age of 70, while in the US the average age at which cancer is diagnosed is 66. This suggests that aging is one of the primary factors responsible for cancer development. An important scientific hypothesis is that as people grow older their once healthy cells gradually begin to malfunction.
Over time, the body’s natural mechanisms for repairing and regulating cell growth become less efficient, allowing genetic mutations to accumulate. Ongoing research is shedding more light on specific mechanisms that lead to the onset of cancer in old age and developing targeted therapies to reduce these risks.
In this gallery, we look at the relationship between aging and cancer. Click on to learn more.