Reduce Inflammation and You May Lower Your Cancer Risk

You may have heard that chronic inflammation is associated with the development of serious diseases, including cancer. In fact, infections caused by chronic inflammation are tied to 20 percent of cancers. But how exactly are the two related, and is there anything you can do to reduce the risk of chronic inflammation?

Good vs. Bad Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal physiological process that can be helpful. For instance, if you cut your finger while cooking, the immune system launches an inflammatory response so that cells can rebuild the injured tissue. But sometimes inflammation begins for other unclear reasons and it doesn’t stop. This type of long-term inflammation is called chronic inflammation. Over time it can affect the way cells grow and divide, and studies suggest it is possible that this could lead to the growth of cancerous cells and tumors.

The signs of chronic inflammation are subtle and can increase gradually over a long period. Because the signs are difficult to spot, many people don’t find out chronic inflammation is a problem for them until they are diagnosed with a serious illness. “Signs of inflammation can be broad and include fatigue, joint pain, stiffness, and changes to bowel movements, among other things,” says Niroshana Anandasabapathy, PhD, MD, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine.

Chronic Stress and Cancer

An effective way to minimize the risk of chronic inflammation is to manage stress. Studies show that stress weakens the immune system and that this can culminate in chronic inflammation. While stress has not yet been proven to increase the risk of developing cancer, research has shown that chronic stress may affect an existing tumor’s ability to grow and spread. Experts emphasize the importance of stress management in an overall plan to reduce overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol and strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms. “While steroids often reduce inflammation, cortisol, which is a steroid that our body produces, can actually contribute to a stress response that over time can cause adverse health effects,” explains, Dr. Anandasabapathy.

Chronic Inflammation Culprits

Chronic inflammation is associated with a number of other culprits—in addition to chronic stress—that research shows raise the risk for certain cancers.

• Infections that don’t go away. Some infections can trigger inflammation that causes changes to surrounding cells in the body, which could eventually lead to cancer. For instance, some stomach cancers are linked to infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.

• Abnormal immune response. Autoimmune disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can cause chronic inflammation in the gut and increase the risk for colon cancer.

• Obesity. The formation of new fat tissue spurs the development of new blood vessels. That can encourage chronic inflammation and lead to a higher cancer risk.

• Diet. High consumption of saturated fat, processed foods, red meat, or alcohol can contribute to chronic inflammation and raise the risk for gastrointestinal cancers. Acid reflux, which is often related to diet, can damage throat tissue and lead to esophageal cancer, as well.

Minimizing Chronic Inflammation

The good news is you are not powerless against chronic inflammation. A healthy lifestyle can help minimize your risk. “Lifestyle changes that lead to less inflammation have been proven to reduce the risk of many types of disease, from heart disease and stroke to some kinds of cancers,” says Keith Roach, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. “For instance, quitting smoking has a dramatic effect in reducing inflammation and cancer risk.” Dr. Anandasabapathy emphasizes the importance of being active, staying hydrated and consuming a healthy diet, including omega 3-rich foods. That means committing to at least eight glasses of water a day, and regularly including fatty fish such as tuna and salmon, in your diet.

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent chronic inflammation, but there are things you can do to minimize it—and potentially lower your risk for developing some cancers. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, be active, and manage stress. Given the connection between chronic inflammation and cancer, the incentive to adopt a healthy lifestyle has never been better.

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