Allergies and cancers

Abstract

Worldwide, allergies and cancers cause significant amount of morbidity and mortality. An inverse association between allergies and cancers has been suggested; however, despite extensive research, the relationship remains elusive. On the one side, allergies are accompanied by inflammatory reactions which constitute an optimal environment for carcinogenesis, thus promoting the development of tumors at this specific site. On the other side, systemic effects in terms of enhanced immunosurveillance can likewise be evoked, thus preventing from cancer at other areas. This chapter presents an overview about studies examining the relationship between allergies and cancers. In addition, it describes possible mechanisms which could explain them.