Researchers from the Hanyang University College of Medicine in South Korea have identified tuberculosis as a notable risk factor linked to the development of a wide range of cancers. These findings were reported on the website of the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). It is a reminder that infectious diseases can have long lasting and far reaching effects on health, influencing cancer risk decades down the line. (Source: ESCMID)
The study enrolled 72,542 individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis and a matched group of 72,542 healthy volunteers. Data collection covered a broad spectrum of factors including physical health status, lifestyle choices, income level, residential region, and age. Participants were then followed for an average of about 67 months, with the researchers noting that a precise follow up window was not always possible due to factors like relocation and, in some cases, loss to follow up. (Source: ESCMID)
After the observation period concluded, the investigators found the incidence of cancer to be substantially higher among people with a history of tuberculosis compared with the general population. In particular, tuberculosis was associated with an approximately 3.6 times higher risk of lung cancer, a 2.4 times higher risk of blood cancers, and a 2.2 times higher risk of cancers of the uterus, endometrium, and ovaries. Additional increases were observed in other sites, with colorectal cancer rising about 57 percent, thyroid cancer about 56 percent, and cancers of the esophagus and stomach about 55 percent. These results underscore the breadth of cancer risk linked to tuberculosis and highlight the importance of integrated surveillance and prevention strategies for individuals affected by the disease. (Source: ESCMID)
Historically, researchers have explored cancer prediction long before its clinical onset, and the current findings contribute to that ongoing effort. The data support a broader view of tuberculosis not only as an infectious disease requiring treatment but also as a condition that may shape long term cancer risk. This underscores the need for clinicians to consider comprehensive risk assessment and targeted screening for TB patients, as part of a holistic approach to long term health management. (Source: ESCMID)