Important Message from The Joint Chiropractic regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Read More

Good Gone Bad: The Link Between Inflammation and Cancer Risk

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Sara Butler

Good Gone Bad: The Link Between Inflammation and Cancer Risk

Inflammation is your body’s natural defense mechanism, stepping in to protect you when needed. It's a positive process that signals your immune system is working hard to keep you safe. However, like many things, too much of a good thing can become problematic. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can take a toll on your body, affecting healthy cells and increasing your risk for diseases like cancer. The good news is that you don’t have to accept this as your fate. By understanding how chronic inflammation develops and learning what steps you can take, you can take charge of your health.

What is inflammation and how does it affect your health?

Inflammation is a natural response by your body's immune system to injury or infection. It's a complex process involving various cells and chemicals that work together to protect your body. When you experience inflammation, you may notice symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, and heat. Like when you twisted your ankle in freshman gym class, and it blew up like a balloon. That’s inflammation.

Although acute inflammation is a normal and necessary part of the healing process, chronic inflammation can have serious health consequences.

Clarifying: Acute inflammation vs. chronic inflammation

There are two types of inflammation to be aware of: acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation is a short-term response to an injury or infection. It often involves redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function in the affected area. For example, when you cut your finger, the area may become inflamed as your body works to repair the tissue and fight off infection.

Chronic inflammation is a persistent, often low-grade inflammation that can continue for months or years. It can occur when the immune system fails to eliminate the cause of an injury or due to ongoing exposure to irritants such as pollutants or poor diet.

Why is inflammation a natural immune response?

Inflammation is a natural immune response because it helps your body protect itself from harm and initiate the healing process.

It works by first detecting harm. The immune cells are activated when the body senses a threat, like an infection. Next, inflammatory chemicals called cytokines are released by the body. Their job is to attract white blood cells to the site of the infection or injury. Blood flow is increased to the area, bringing more immune cells and nutrients to aid in healing.

The white blood cells then attack the cause of the harm, while other cells work to repair and clean up damaged cells. Once the body feels the threat has been eliminated and the healing process is underway, this inflammation process subsides.

Inflammation is a protective mechanism that helps your body fight off infections, heal wounds, and maintain overall health.

However, chronic inflammation—when the inflammatory response persists for an extended period—can be harmful and contribute to various health problems.

How does the body respond to chronic inflammation?

When inflammation becomes chronic, the body's immune system continues to send out inflammatory signals even after the initial injury or infection has healed. This can lead to various health problems because the body's defense mechanisms begin to damage healthy tissues.

There are several ways chronic inflammation can affect the body.

  • Tissue damage: The persistent release of inflammatory chemicals can damage tissues, leading to arthritis, in which joints become inflamed and painful.
  • Accelerated aging: Chronic inflammation can contribute to premature aging because it damages cells and tissues over time.
  • Increased risk of chronic diseases: Chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
  • Mental health issues: Inflammation can affect mood and cognitive function, contributing to depression and anxiety.
  • Fatigue and weakness: The body's constant inflammation can cause fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.

Does inflammation lead to cell damage and mutation?

During an inflammatory process and response, the body releases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). While essential for fighting infections, these molecules can damage cellular components, including DNA.

ROS and RNS can directly damage DNA by oxidizing its components. This can lead to DNA strand breaks, base modifications, and other genetic damage. These reactive species can also interfere with the body's DNA repair mechanisms, reducing their efficiency and allowing damaged DNA to persist.

Chronic inflammation may stimulate cell proliferation, leading to increased cell division. This can increase the chances of errors during DNA replication, leading to mutations. Inflammation can also impair the cell cycle checkpoints that normally detect and repair DNA damage. This can allow cells with damaged DNA to continue dividing, leading to the accumulation of mutations.

The accumulation of DNA damage and mutations can lead to genetic instability, a hallmark of cancer. Chronic inflammation can create a tumor-promoting environment by stimulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), and inhibiting apoptosis (cell death).

Although inflammation is a necessary part of the body's defense system, chronic inflammation can harm cellular health. By understanding the mechanisms by which inflammation can lead to cell damage and mutation, strategies can be implemented to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases.

Types of cancer often associated with chronic inflammation

Several types of cancer have been linked to chronic inflammation.

  • Colorectal cancer: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are strongly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
  • Liver cancer: Chronic hepatitis B and C infections can lead to chronic inflammation of the liver, increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Stomach cancer: Chronic infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori can cause chronic inflammation in the stomach, leading to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
  • Lung cancer: Chronic inflammation caused by smoking or exposure to environmental pollutants can increase the risk of lung cancer.
  • Pancreatic cancer: Chronic pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Esophageal cancer: Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to chronic inflammation of the esophagus, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

It's important to note that even though chronic inflammation can increase the risk of cancer, it's not the only factor. Other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures, also play a role.

Common lifestyle and environmental triggers of chronic inflammation

A variety of lifestyle and environmental factors can trigger chronic inflammation.

  • Poor diet: What you eat is a major lifestyle factor that can impact you daily. When a person eats a lot of processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugary drinks, it contributes to chronic inflammation. Diets that lack whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein can also lead to inflammation.
  • Lack of exercise: Not getting in your 10,000 steps is another factor. Whether it’s steps, working out on a rowing machine, or playing basketball, inflammation can increase, and weight can be gained when a person doesn't get regular movement. That is also linked to chronic inflammation. Find some way to exercise and get moving, even if it’s doing jumping jacks during a television commercial.
  • Too much stress: Stress not dealt with healthily also contributes to chronic inflammation by releasing stress hormones.
  • Unhealthy habits: Not getting enough sleep, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking aren’t doing your body any favors and can contribute to the stress your body undergoes.
  • Environmental factors: Although the environment may not be totally in a person’s control, it’s good to understand which factors can contribute to chronic inflammation. Pollution, such as air or water pollution, can also trigger the body’s inflammatory response. Some chemicals, such as pesticides, are also triggers.

Addressing these lifestyle and environmental factors can reduce your risk of chronic inflammation and improve your overall health.

Medical conditions that contribute to chronic inflammation

Several medical conditions can contribute to chronic inflammation.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: This condition causes chronic inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  • Lupus: A systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation.
  • Psoriasis: A skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches caused by chronic inflammation.
  • Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis: These inflammatory bowel diseases affect the digestive tract, leading to chronic inflammation.
  • Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and can result in chronic inflammation.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation.
  • Heart disease: Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with chronic inflammation.
  • Neurodegenerative diseases: Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease have been linked to chronic inflammation in the brain.
  • Chronic kidney disease: Chronic inflammation can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.

It's important to note that chronic inflammation can contribute to a wide range of health problems, so it's crucial to manage it effectively.

How diet, stress, and pollution can influence inflammation

Diet, stress, and pollution contribute to chronic inflammation. Still, it’s important to understand the specific things that should be avoided whenever possible—and what needs to be added to counteract chronic inflammation.

There are several foods in the average diet that are considered to be pro-inflammatory foods. Highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, trans fats, and red meat trigger inflammation. You should strive to include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet. These foods include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. That includes flaxseed, chia, and fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines.

Stress isn’t something that can be avoided entirely, but it is crucial to manage it properly. When stressed out, your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol, which can increase inflammation. Too much stress can weaken your immune system and lead to poor sleep.

Finally, pollution is something to try to limit when possible. Air pollution, such as nitrogen dioxide or particulate matter, must be avoided. Chemicals from pesticides and industrial pollutants should also be avoided.

How to reduce inflammation for cancer prevention

There are some strategies to reduce inflammation and lower your risk of cancer that you can introduce to your life. Dietary changes are paramount as you focus on anti-inflammatory foods full of healthy fats and antioxidants. Limiting processed foods because they are full of unhealthy fats, too much sodium, and added sugar. Limiting your consumption of red meat and moderating your alcohol intake will also be helpful.

Lifestyle changes are important. Try to get outside, if possible, and move more since regular exercise helps to reduce inflammation and boosts your immune system.

Setting aside time to focus on stress management will be time well spent. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Get enough sleep at night and avoid smoking. If you are a smoker, explore ways to quit for your overall health.

Can chiropractic care help with inflammation?

Chiropractic care offers a powerful, holistic approach to helping reduce inflammation and support your body’s healing ability. By possibly helping correct spinal misalignments, chiropractors may help alleviate pressure on nerves, enhancing the overall function of your nervous system. This improved communication may help lower the production of inflammation-causing chemicals like cytokines, which could lead to a cascade of benefits for your body.

Techniques like trigger point therapy and massage therapy target tight muscles, helping them relax and reduce inflammation. Plus, chiropractic care is instrumental in improving posture and increasing your range of motion. Better posture makes everyday movement easier and prevents strain, contributing to chronic muscle tension and inflammation.

When combined with healthy lifestyle choices, chiropractic care becomes a powerful ally in the fight against chronic inflammation, helping you feel your best and stay aligned for long-term wellness.

What are the early signs of chronic inflammation?

Knowing the early warning signs is a good idea if you're concerned about chronic inflammation. Discuss any of these signs with your chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.

These symptoms may be early signs of chronic inflammation, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Low-grade fever
  • Sudden weight changes
  • Frequent infections
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Digestive issues
  • Skin problems
  • Mood changes
  • Brain fog

Early detection and management of chronic inflammation can help prevent serious health complications.

Chronic inflammation and its connection to cancer may sound big and scary but remember that you have an ally in the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. You can fight back and achieve a healthier lifestyle with regular chiropractic care, attention to lifestyle and health, and an increased awareness of inflammation’s influence on your body.

Download your offer today and save!

Offer valued at $45. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.