A study published in the online December edition of the American Journal of Hematology says that there is a link between a history of airborne allergies, specifically those to grass, trees and other plants (sometimes called hay fever), and blood cancers. What is really odd about these findings is that, according to researchers, the link was present only in women. In other words, the study did not find an increased risk of hematologic cancers in men who suffer from these types of allergies. This finding, researchers say, is an important step in revealing gender differences in immune function and how dysregulation of the immune system can lead to cancer.
The study followed 66,000 men and women for approximately 8 years. Participants were aged 50-76 years and all lived in western Washington. Study participants were required to fill out an extensive 24 page questionnaire about their lifestyle and health history, specifically their history of any allergies or malignancies. You can read more about this study in Newswise.
The study followed 66,000 men and women for approximately 8 years. Participants were aged 50-76 years and all lived in western Washington. Study participants were required to fill out an extensive 24 page questionnaire about their lifestyle and health history, specifically their history of any allergies or malignancies. You can read more about this study in Newswise.
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