Washington | July 2025 – CJ Global Newspaper
A groundbreaking medical study has revealed a potential link between allergic conditions and a reduced risk of developing lung cancer, offering new insights into the role of the immune system in cancer prevention.
Published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the study found that individuals with chronic allergic diseases—such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema—were 15% to 25% less likely to develop lung cancer compared to those without allergies.
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An Overactive Immune System May Offer Protection
Researchers suggest that individuals with allergies may benefit from a hyperactive immune system, which remains on high alert and may be more efficient at detecting and eliminating abnormal or precancerous cells in the lungs.
“It’s fascinating to consider that the same immune overreaction that causes allergies might help prevent tumor development in the lungs,” said Dr. Elaine Markov, lead author of the study and immuno-oncologist at the University of Washington Cancer Research Institute.
Data from Over a Quarter Million People
The large-scale study analyzed health records from more than 280,000 individuals over a 10-year period. Participants included a broad cross-section of ages and backgrounds, and the researchers compared lung cancer incidence among those with documented allergic conditions and those without.
The results showed that the protective association was particularly strong among women and individuals with respiratory allergies, such as allergic rhinitis or asthma.
Those who had allergies and maintained healthy lifestyles—non-smokers, physically active, and with balanced diets—exhibited the lowest risk profiles.
Not a Replacement for Prevention
Despite the promising findings, the authors caution against interpreting allergies as a guaranteed shield against cancer.
“This is a correlation, not a cause-and-effect relationship,”Dr. Markov emphasized. “More research is needed to understand the immune mechanisms at play and whether they can be harnessed in cancer therapy.”
The researchers also reiterated that avoiding tobacco, reducing air pollution exposure, and maintaining routine screenings remain essential tools in lung cancer prevention.
Potential Implications for Immunotherapy
The findings open the door to future studies exploring how immune activation seen in allergic individuals might inform cancer immunotherapy.
This could potentially lead to new approaches in personalized medicine, where immune profiles—including history of allergies—are used to assess cancer risk or guide immune-based treatments.
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Reported by: CJ Global Health & Science Desk
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