Health Benefits of Temporary Infections

Childhood Infectious Disease and Premature Death from Cancer

Captured 2023-03-14
Document Highlights

Deaths from cancer during ages 15-60 years were analysed in relation to childhood infections…

Childhood history of measles and influenza, were both independently associated with lower cancer mortality during ages 15-60 years.

In contrast, childhood pertussis was associated with higher cancer mortality during ages 15-60 years.

In this pre-vaccination cohort [ages 50-60 years], childhood infection with measles and influenza were associated with a reduced risk of death from cancer in adulthood, while pertussis was associated with an increased risk.

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Note: In contrast to measles and influenza which are viral pathogens, pertussis is a bacterial pathogen and is treated with antibiotics.