Association between recent herpes zoster but not herpes simplex infection and subsequent risk of malignancy in women: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

65 years and subgroups of breast and colorectal cancer (HRs 1.60, 1.82, 2.14, 2.19, respectively). For men, a significant association was found for haematological cancers (HR 2.92). No associations were found with herpes simplex. No interaction was identified with antiviral therapy, diabetes or HRT treatment. We concluded that there was a moderate significant association between herpes zoster and subsequent cancer risk in women aged > 65 years, without any influence of antiviral therapy. No association was found with herpes simplex. There is insufficient reason for extensively testing older patients with herpes zoster or herpes simplex for the presence of occult cancer. © Cambridge University Press 2013.