Allergies may protect against brain cancer

A recent research in New York has found that a history of allergies may reduce the risk of a particular type of brain tumor called glioma. At this time, very little is known about what actually causes glioma. An inverse association however between allergy and the risk of glioma has been observed. Researchers have conducted a study to quantify the association between asthma, eczema, or allergy and a medically confirmed diagnosis of glioma or another type of brain tumor called meningioma.

The research results showed that the relative risk of glioma was actually much lower in those with a history of allergy, asthma, or eczema, compared to those with no history of allergic disease. However, there was no overall significant association between allergy and meningioma. This may have been because the information on this disease was limited.

There are several possible reasons why allergies might offer protection against brain cancer. One factor has to do with immune factors that are involved in or predispose people to allergies might play a role. It is also possible that medications for these conditions could offer some protection. Other factors including some that are not involved with the immune system may also affect the risk.

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