The Cavalier Daily
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Cancer and Allergies

A recent study at Cornell University has reaffirmed a frequently examined relationship between allergy symptoms and the prevention of certain cancers. Allergies are the body's natural way of alerting itself of potential dangers in the air. Symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and runny nose allow the body to expel foreign and potentially harmful particles that attempt to enter the body through inhalation. Cornell University research scientist Paul Sherman believes that when these particles are expelled, the body avoids taking in carcinogens, leaving organs frequently exposed to the environment less susceptible to cancer. Allergy symptoms, however, have no relationship with the prevention of cancer in areas that do not have contact with the environment, such as brain cells. This study has led medical professionals to weigh the benefits of suppressing allergy symptoms with antihistamines instead of enduring them to reap positive benefits.

-compiled by Jade Hall

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