How is Our Immune Health Linked to Cancer?

There is a delicate balance between our immune system and cancer. This balance can influence tumor growth. The knowledge we have gained in better understanding the roles of our own immunity, can help us devise strategies for the treatment and prevention of cancer. 

What is Cancer?

Cancer is characterized by an uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Normal cells tend to replace themselves as needed in a highly regulated and controlled manner determined by many pathways and mechanisms in the environment of our bodies. Through a process known as immunosurveillance, our immune system is able to identify and destroy new cells that are abnormal, sick or that may multiply without control. How does this immunosurveillance work?

There are many highly specific cells. The two most common are the cytotoxic T lymphocyte and the natural killer cell. Their jobs are to continuously patrol the body for malignant cells, and destroy them. Our bodies continuous perform these tasks without us even knowing about them. 

Cancer Invasion Despite Immune Surveillance

Why does our immune system sometimes fail us in detecting and eliminating aberrant cells that can become cancer? There are many reasons for this, and scientists are still figuring out how cancer cells can "outsmart" our immune system. Scientists believe that sometimes cancer cells can outsmart the immune system because cancer actually comes from our pre-existing cells, and may not be recognized as foreign. Research has revealed that cancer cells are sometime able to comandeer the internal cellular components of T-cells and render them inactive. 

Can Cancer Be Prevented by Bolstering Our Immunity?

The evidence for actively focusing on improving our immunity to prevent cancer is unclear, and more research is needed. 

While acupuncture is not a cure for cancer, emerging research suggests it may have some benefit in cancer prevention and symptom management, potentially through influences on the immune system. However, no data exists yet, that acupuncture directly prevents cancer. Such a study may be challenging to orchestrate with many variables needing to be controlled for to establish the role of acupuncture.  

Let's examine FIVE ways that acupuncture may indirectly improve immunity, which may be beneficial in the setting of cancer:

1. Enhancing Immune Cell Activity

Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the body’s immune response, increasing the activity of various immune cells, such as natural killer cells and lymphocytes. 

2. Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a well-known risk factor for the development of cancer. Researchindicates that acupuncture may help reduce inflammation by promoting the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors that alleviate inflammation. By lowering inflammation, acupuncture could potentially reduce the risk of cancer development.

3. Stress Reduction

Stress has been linked to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to cancer development. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease stress hormones like cortisol, which may enhance the immune response and potentially lower the risk of cancer. This relaxation response can also shift the body from a state of stress (which can suppress the immune system) to one of calmness, thus supporting immune function.

4. Improving Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

For those undergoing cancer treatment, research has demonstrated that acupuncture improves quality of life by reducing treatment side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. While these benefits are more related to symptom management rather than direct cancer prevention, improving one's overall well-being can contribute to a stronger immune system.

5. Reducing Cancer-Related Pain

A systemic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture reduces cancer-related pain from chemotherapy, radiation, surgical pain, and hormone-therapy induced pain. Reducing pain can improve cortisol levels that increase stress. Prolonged stress can potentially weaken one's immunity. 

Take Home Points

Cancer is a complex process that continues to challenge modern medicine today. Taking the best care of our overall health is key in reducing the chance of cancer. Acupuncture may serve to help strengthen our core foundation of wellness including improving our immune function. Finally, acupuncture serves an important supportive role in individuals who are fighting their battle with cancer.