In the waiting area of the hospital, two elderly men talked. One complained that he hadn't had a cold in a long time, wondering if it meant he had a problem with his immunity. Another responded that he had heard that people who have not caught a cold for a long time not only have poor immunity, but are also more likely to get cancer. Such discussions are not uncommon and reflect a general confusion about health.
Colds, as a common respiratory illness, are often seen as a barometer of immunity. But is this perception scientific? Is long-term absence from a cold really a sign of an immunity problem? and more importantly, what is the link between it and cancer risk?
Exploring the Cold and Immunity: Is Catching a Cold Less Common Really a Problem?
A cold, a respiratory infection caused by a virus, common symptoms include cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever. It is generally believed that frequent colds indicate a possible weakening of the immune system, while infrequent colds are seen as a sign of strong immunity. However, this statement is not entirely accurate.
First, the immune system works more complex than this simple judgment. The immune system is made up of several components, including skin, mucous membranes, white blood cells, etc., which work synergistically to protect the body from pathogens. When a pathogen invades, the immune system is activated to produce a coping response, such as fever, cough, etc., which are all manifestations of the body's struggle against the pathogen.
In fact, not having a regular cold doesn't necessarily mean that there is a problem with immunity. Some people may have a more active and adaptive immune system due to regular exposure to multiple pathogens, such as working in crowded environments. On the other hand, some people rarely catch colds, but this may be because they are less exposed to cold viruses or their lifestyle and Xi help reduce the risk of infection, such as washing hands frequently, practicing good personal hygiene, etc.
Immunity and Cancer: The Hidden Connection
The immune system, the body's defensive barrier, not only fights off cold viruses, but also plays a key role in stopping the spread of cancer cells. However, the relationship between immunity and cancer is not a linear link, but a complex interaction.
Understanding how the immune system recognizes and attacks cancer cells is crucial. Immune cells prevent cancer by recognizing abnormal cells in the body. For example, some types of immune cells are able to recognize and destroy cells in a precancerous state, preventing cancer from occurring. However, this defense mechanism may fail when the immune system is impaired, such as in certain autoimmune diseases or when the immune system declines due to aging.
It's important to note that not all strong immune systems are effective in preventing cancer. Sometimes, an overactivated immune response may promote cancer cell growth. For example, in some chronic inflammatory conditions, such as chronic gastritis, a long-standing inflammatory response may provide an environment for cancer cells to grow. In addition, certain immune cells may be "reprogrammed" in the cancer microenvironment, helping cancer cells evade attacks by the immune system.
For people who haven't had a cold for a long time, this doesn't necessarily indicate an immunity problem. On the contrary, it may reflect an effective working immune system, able to respond quickly to cold viruses. However, this does not mean that there is immunity to all health risks.
Scientific Decoding: The True Connection Between Immunity and Health
Scientific research has revealed the complex relationship between immunity and health status. A long-term study of 1,000 adults showed a non-linear relationship between the average number of colds per year and an individual's immunity level. The data suggests that individuals who do not have a cold at all are not always the most immune, but that there may be some specific regulation of the immune system.
Another study focused on the relationship between the immune system and the development of cancer. Scientists have discovered that the immune system plays a key role in recognizing and destroying cancer cells. However, this does not mean that people with strong immunity are completely immune to cancer. Conversely, certain types of overactive immune responses may instead increase the risk of specific cancers.
These findings suggest that the health of the immune system is not just a state of not being sick, but its ability to respond in a balanced and moderate manner. For example, when the immune system overreacts, it can lead to inflammatory diseases and even increase the risk of certain cancer types. Conversely, an inactive or unresponsive immune system can lead to frequent colds or other infections.