Is it possible that viruses might increase a person’s risk of cancer? As doctors and researchers are searching for cancer treatments, they are studying the impact that various environmental and lifestyle factors have on the development of cancer. Even though viruses aren’t the only cause of cancer, it has been found that there are several viruses that can lead to cancer.
Oncovirus: Cancer Causing Viruses
If a virus can lead to cancer, it is known as an oncovirus. Examples of oncoviruses include:
- Human papilloma virus (HPV), which is widely known to cause cervical cancer
- Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 can lead to T-cell leukemia
- Hepatitis B & C, both can turn into Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Karposi’s sarcoma herpes virus might be the cause of certain types of lymphomas
- Epstein-Barr virus can cause a domino effect if the virus turns into B-Cell lymph proliferative disease which in turn morphs into nasopharyngeal carcinoma
It has also been found that certain types of bacterial infections as well as parasitic infections might be associated with the development of certain types of cancer. Not all bacteria, viral, or parasitic infections will increase a person’s risk of cancer, but doctors are still trying to understand why there are connections between these infections and the development of cancer.
A Strong Immune System is Your Best Defense
The best way that you can prevent these infections and also reduce your risk of cancer is to strengthen your immune system through a healthy lifestyle and diet. When your immune system is strong, then the body can effectively fight off infections, viruses, bacteria, and parasites that weaken the body.
This process of strengthening the immune system needs to be managed all your life, especially as you grow older. Just because you are getting older, doesn’t necessarily mean that you must suffer from a weakened immune system. But, you will have to put in more effort to make sure that you are maintaining high immunity.
Your dietary choices are the foundation for a strong immune system, so it is essential that you are careful about your food choices. Stay away from sugar, artificial ingredients, chemicals, preservatives, and other unnatural foods. Instead, it is better to stick with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, legumes, and well-balanced meals.
Do you need meal ideas to support a healthy immune system? Our
Unravel the Mystery Recipe Book provides you with a number of delicious recipes that will help you to prevent and fight various types of illness and disease. Additionally, it is a good idea to read
Unravel the Mystery, by Ann Malkmus, so that you can learn more about the various lifestyle factors that impact the immune function within your body.
