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Common Cold May Result In Cancer In Children

by Medindia Content Team on Dec 13 2005 12:36 PM

Childhood cancer can be triggered by the common cold, according to a Newcastle University led study. Leukaemia and brain tumors may be caused by relatively minor ailments like a respiratory virus or even a mild flu. This is all the more in the case of those who are genetically susceptible to cancer.

Edinburgh University’s Professor Freda Alexander who also participated in the research said that this may lead to the development of a vaccine which will serve to protect children. Cancer can also be triggered due to an infection suffered by the mother during pregnancy. The common cold may lead to cancer among children who are susceptible to it, and this does not apply to all children as a rule.

Geographical locations of the children also played a role in leukaemia and brain tumors, while clusters of cases are produced by environmental factors. Those children who already carry the mutant cells for cancer can be easily affected as the flu or cold virus will strike the mutant cell and give rise to a second mutation.

The European Journal of Cancer published the studies. It has also been opined that more evidence is needed with regard to these new findings, which may lead to better cures and also better preventive measures.


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