Allergies Increases Blood Cancer Risks
Allergy seems to be a common condition and could affect many people around the world, especially in developing countries. However, recent studies have shown that allergies can increase the risk of cancer.
In particular, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that patients with allergies may have a higher risk of developing leukemia than those who do not suffer from allergies.
The study involved more than 64,000 patients who were asked about symptoms of allergies and asthma. The patients were then evaluated 7 years later to see if it they had been diagnosed with blood cancer.
Patients who have allergies, especially allergic to plants, grass and trees, have a slightly increased incidence of blood cancer. But asthma patients do not have an increased risk of blood cancer.
“Studies show that there may be an increased incidence of certain cancers if you have a kind of condition (allergy),” explained Dr. Edward Kim, associate professor of the Department of Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, according to ABC News.
Researchers suspect that may be the same inflammation that causes allergic symptoms can lead to an overactive immune system. And this excessive activity in turn can lead to blood cancer.
But researchers say people who suffer from allergies need not to worry. The increased risk is very small that no new screening guidelines are currently planned.
“There is no need for a change. I hope the results of this study will help researchers to reveal the mechanism by studying blood of cancer patients with allergies. But I do not think that there is an indication for changes in medical care and follow-up at this point,” said lead study author Dr. Mazyar Shadman from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center at the University of Washington.
So what does this mean for patients with allergies?
“It means a person (allergy patient ) may be more vigilant by consulting their doctor and do an annual physical exam,” said Dr. Kim.
you should also know the types of foods that can relieve allergies.
Tagged with: allergy, allergy blood cancer, allergy leukemia, blood cancer, Leukemia,
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