Severe COVID-19, Flu May Raise Future Lung Cancer Risk: Study
News Desk
Washington: A new study conducted in the United States has found that patients who suffer from severe respiratory infections such as COVID-19 or influenza may face an increased risk of developing lung cancer later in life.
The research, carried out by scientists at the University of Virginia Health System, was published in the leading scientific journal Cell. It highlights how severe viral infections can leave long-term effects on lung health.
According to the findings, serious infections can trigger lasting changes in lung tissue, creating conditions that may support the growth of cancer cells. Researchers noted that post-infection, the immune system may weaken, leading to persistent inflammation in the lungs, a key factor linked to tumour development.
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Lead researcher Jay Sun of the University of Virginia School of Medicine said the lungs can remain inflamed long after recovery from severe infections, increasing the likelihood of cancerous cell growth.
The study found that individuals hospitalised with COVID-19 had about a 1.24 times higher risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer, regardless of smoking status. Experimental data also showed a significantly higher rate of lung cancer in animals that had recovered from severe lung infections.
Scientists explained that immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages may begin to function abnormally after severe illness, creating an environment conducive to tumour growth.
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The World Health Organization notes that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, often detected at advanced stages when treatment becomes more difficult.
Importantly, researchers stressed that vaccination could help reduce this risk by lowering the severity of viral infections and limiting long-term lung damage.
Health experts have advised that individuals recovering from severe COVID-19, influenza, or pneumonia should undergo regular medical monitoring to enable early detection and timely treatment of potential complications, including lung cancer.
