According to new research, your allergy may be protecting you from cancer. As per experts, the “large-scale study” found an interesting and “surprising link between common allergies and reduced lung cancer risk, especially for men and those with allergic rhinitis” also known as hay fever.

The recent study, published in Frontiers in Medicine, explored the link between allergic diseases and the risk of developing lung cancer. As reported by News Medcial, “allergies and cancers are increasingly recognised as major health concerns in both developing and developed countries”. Looking at the relationship of allergic diseases with the risk of developing lung cancer, they state that the risk varies by the type of allergy. 

In fact, they state that “lung cancer is among the most prevalent cancers”. The main symptoms of lung cancer include:

• a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks
• a long-standing cough that gets worse
• chest infections that keep coming back
• coughing up blood

• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• persistent breathlessness
• persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:

In their explanation, they write: “For instance, a history of asthma is associated with a higher lung cancer risk, whereas a history of allergic rhinitis (AR) or eczema may reduce the risk.” They confirm that asthma was excluded from the study because previous research has shown it may increase lung cancer risk.

But why is this the case? The medical experts explained: “According to one hypothesis, allergies may reduce the risk of lung cancer through increased immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune surveillance, which may help eliminate malignant cells in their early stages.

“Conversely, another hypothesis suggests that chronic immune stimulation may induce random mutations in rapidly dividing cells, thereby increasing the risk of cancer.” Discussing AR, the NHS explains: “Allergic rhinitis is where your nose gets irritated by something you’re allergic to, such as pollen, causing sneezing and other symptoms.

“For most people it’s easy to treat with medicines from a pharmacist.” Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are similar to a cold and include:

• an itchy nose
• a runny or blocked nose
• itchy, red and watery eyes
• a cough
• the roof of your mouth being itchy

The medical experts further note that in the study’s conclusion, that people “with allergies had one-fourth lower odds of developing lung cancer than those without allergies. There was a significant inverse association between AR and lung cancer risk, especially in males and populations from the American continents.”

Although no significant overall association was found between eczema and lung cancer risk, a negative association was observed specifically in males, they conclude.