Are Your Allergies Putting You at an Increased Risk for Blood Cancer?

Your immune system is your body’s defense against germs and diseases. So, whenever a fungus, virus, bacteria, or any other foreign particle enters our body, our immune system leaps in to fight it out and safeguards us from thousands of diseases and illnesses every day. 

However, sometimes our immune system starts overreacting and becomes oversensitive to substances that are normally harmless. In that case, it identifies normal, harmless substances (like pollen, dust mites, and pet hair) as threats and initiates an immune response against them. This causes increased inflammation in the body. While this inflammation is the body’s way of repairing the damage and fighting infection, it can be extremely uncomfortable. 

When Inflammation Turns Chronic

While inflammation helps our body to cope with the influx of toxins, in hypersensitive individuals – like those suffering from asthma and allergies – the chronic inflammation can become a serious health problem, which has been associated with the development of various forms of cancer in some cases.     

Chronic inflammation is usually caused by infections that don’t go away or the abnormal immune reaction of our body to normal things. Over time, this chronic inflammation causes damage to the DNA and can lead to cancer. 

Allergies can Put Women at Increased Risk of Blood Cancer

According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Hematology, women suffering from airborne allergies (especially, to plants, grass, or trees) are at an increased risk of blood cancers. The chances of developing cancer in allergic women increase if they are suffering from obesity too. 

However, men with the same airborne allergies have not been found to develop the cancers of the blood. 

But what’s that unique thing that increases women’s vulnerability to blood cancer? While the exact reason is still unknown, scientists believe that female hormones play a major role. 

What Women Need to Understand?

Though further research is still underway, it is important for women suffering from allergies to understand the risk and take all the necessary steps to protect themselves from the risk of developing blood cancer. By guarding yourself against allergies, making healthy lifestyle choices, and by getting yourself tested at regular intervals, you can protect yourself from unnecessary inflammation and cancer. 

Here are some steps that can help: 

Reduce your contact with the allergen

Some allergens are easier to avoid than others. So, if possible, limit your contact with your triggers. This can not only help you prevent allergies and inflammation but can also protect you from the risk of developing blood cancer. 

Monitor your diet

It is important for women (and men) suffering from allergies to make healthy food choices. Eat food that can help you alleviate your allergy symptoms and inflammation. Ginger, turmeric, tomatoes, oranges, kiwi, strawberry, sprouts, bell peppers, broccoli and brussel sprouts, all have strong anti-inflammatory properties and should definitely be included in your diet on regular basis. 

Women should also eat fatty fish, like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help fight allergic inflammation.  

Take your prescribed medicines on time

Never miss on your prescribed dose of medicine. Whether you have been prescribed antihistamines, decongestants, or a combination of over-the-counter medications, make sure to take them regularly and do not stop them without the advice of your primary care physician. 

Wash your hands and face often

Make sure to wash your hands and face even after a short outdoor trip. Also, change your clothes if it’s possible they have allergens on them. It can help you get rid of the lingering pollens.  

Quit smoking

Tobacco smoke is not only a potential allergen, but also a strong carcinogen. So say ‘No’ to cigarettes, if you haven’t already.  

Avoid environmental pollutants

Reduce your exposure to environmental pollutants and carcinogens. Chemicals vapors, fumes, plastic containers and even your antiperspirant deodorant have potential allergic and carcinogenic properties. They not only put you at an increased risk for allergy, but increase your risk for cancer. 

Reduce stress and improve your sleeping habits

Poor sleep habits and increased everyday stress increase inflammation in your body and may put you at an increased risk for blood cancer. To stay safe, ensure a minimum of 7-9 hours of sleep and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Also, practice yoga and meditation to stay stress-free. 

Schedule your annual physicals regularly

Regular testing is the easiest way to detect diseases and cancers early and prevent their progression and complications. It also makes way for better, more effective treatment approaches. So, make sure to get yourself tested at regular intervals – at least once a year, especially after 40 years of age. 

At EPIC Health, we are a one-stop destination for women’s health services. Our comprehensive range of services can help women stay happy and healthy at all stages of their life. Through expert care, complete annual physicals, ultrasounds, state-of-the-art 3D mammograms and other diagnostic tests and screenings, we make it easy for women to detect infections, allergies, inflammations, and cancers early on and ensure their timely treatment and cure. We also offer a well-rounded fitness, nutrition and care management programs to help women take better control of their health. 

So come, schedule an appointment at EPIC Health today! We can help you live happy, healthy, and better.