‘Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may not be at a greater risk for developing breast and colorectal cancer – once thought to occur commonly in MS. Although the risk for bladder cancer remains 72% among MS patients.’
Cancer in Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
The study enrolled health records of 53,984 people with MS and 266,920 people without MS in Canada. 5 Non-MS patients were compared to each MS patient (5:1). Factors like sex, education, and socioeconomic status were considered and it was demonstrated that
there was no difference between the incidence of breast and colorectal cancer in normal Vs MS patients.
Although MS patients did have a higher risk of 72% to develop bladder cancer, the reason being the recurrent urinary tract infections and use of catheters in these patients.
"However, more research is needed to confirm our findings", added Marrie.
Lifestyle habits like smoking, diet, physical activity, and specific MS-modifying therapies contributed to the limitation of the study. The study thus
attracts more researches for the development of cancer management strategies in multiple sclerosis.
Source: Medindia
