The assertion that individuals who rarely catch colds are more likely to get cancer is a kind of urban myth, which does not find much backing in scientific literature and seems to be repeated like a mantra in daily talks. Although the immune system is the main player in this game, the notion that “not catching colds causes cancer” is simply wrong and should be interpreted with more caution.
Understanding the Role of the Immune System
The immune system is like a knight in shining armor, the body’s frontline defense against viruses, bacteria, and even cancer cells. The question of its being strong or weak is the main factor that determines our overall resistance to diseases. People who have a poor immune system are usually also those which are often sick, have a slow recovery from diseases, or suffer from chronic fatigue. Even if strong immunity does not make one indestructible from infections, where immune functions are disordered it can put the body in such a state that it becomes extremely difficult to fight off not only other diseases but also cancer.
Signs of Low Immunity
Incorrectly, poor immunity is mostly thought of as a cause of frequent colds only. It, however, has a negative influence on nearly the whole body of a person. Besides this, the weakened immune system of an individual may likely show some or even all signs mentioned below:
- Greater sensitivity to environmental changes, resulting in frequent colds or flu.
- Recovery is significantly prolonged after illness.
- Recurrence of symptoms such as an unrelenting cough or weakness.
- Continuous tiredness and lack of energy even though no physical work is done.
When a human organism stays in a state of exhaustion for a long time, it is highly likely that the immune cells will be unable to recognize and eliminate harmful pathogens or abnormal cells, thus the risk of developing more serious diseases will be increased.
Slow Wound Healing and Increased Infection Risk
Slow wound healing is one of the most obvious signs of weakened immune systems. It could be that a minority of people have such severe cases and it could be that even mere small scratches take a very long time to close and are more susceptible to infection. The reason the immune system is both the main culprit that complicates wound infection and the one that makes it easy is because it is the main actor in both the bacteria-fighting process and the one in which new tissues are generated from the old ones. If poor healing occurs on a chronic basis or the person is getting infections repeatedly these can be the first signs of his/her overall immune dysfunction and eventually, they may be associated with deeper health risks.
Gastrointestinal Health and Immunity
The gut is very often referred to as the body’s ‘second immune organ’. A large number of immune cells are located in the intestines, which protects the body from the entry of harmful agents and provides nutrient absorption. Low immunity is associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as being bloated, suffering from constipation or diarrhea. A long-term imbalance of the digestive system may result in a lack of nutrients and thus, the immune system will be even more weakened making the person susceptible to various chronic diseases, such as cancer.
Connection Between Low Immunity and Cancer
The body’s immune system is equipped with the ability to discover cancerous cells and kill them – or so research suggests. Unfortunately, when immunity is compromised, the function that ‘surveils’ the body becomes less vigilant, hence, cancer cells have a better opportunity to exist and grow. A vast number of cancer patients, especially those in the early stages, do not reveal any viable symptoms, thus the cancer progresses subtly. Healthy immune functioning, therefore, is one of the major methods of cancer prevention.
Strengthening Your Immune System
Helping the immune system to do its job should not be a very dramatic move. Some small but sustainable lifestyle changes will, indeed, have a major impact:
- Adhere to a well-balanced diet that is plentiful in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Sleep well and keep to a regular sleeping pattern.
- By doing moderate work, you not only improve your blood flow but also your immune system’s response.
- Do not let stress take over and do not tire yourself out too much.
Final Thoughts
The concept that “people who are never ill from colds tend to develop cancer” is a kind of simplification of the complex interplay between the immune system and diseases. Even though the immune system is indeed a protective factor, not getting ill is not a hidden cancer danger signal. On the other hand, a consistently weak immune system, which is manifested by symptoms of exhaustion, slow recovery, digestive problems, and poor healing, should be a warning sign that demands taking a closer look at one’s general condition.
We can minimize the risk of major health issues and have better long-term wellness if we follow the right lifestyle and keep our immune system in good shape by eating well, resting, and exercising.
“Dr. Rana Patir is an eminent Neurosurgeon of India with more than 30 years of experience in the field of advanced neurosurgery. Besides being a teaching faculty at AIIMS and at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and professor of Neurosurgery at Guwahati Assam. He has also been the head of the department of Neurosurgery at Max hospitals, and Sir Ganga Ram hospital New Delhi. He is known as one of the best Neurosurgeons and spinal surgeons in India, having more than 10,000 neurosurgical procedures to his credit. He specializes in Minimal Invasive Brain and Spine Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Neurovascular Surgery, Extra Cranial-Intracranial Bypass Surgery,”
