Cancer (and Herpes)

As If Having Herpes Isn't Enough

While I've known many who have survived and died of Cancer, I'm no expert on medical Cancer treatments or holistic alternatives for Cancer. Here, the focus is simply on the connection between herpes viruses and Cancer. I've listed resources at the bottom of this page that may be helpful to you if you are facing or ever face Cancer. Rest assured, having active outbreaks doesn't mean you'll get Cancer.

The risk factors for developing herpes-associated Cancers are as follows.

 

  • Unprotected sexual activity (increasing the chance of contracting a herpes virus)
  • Genetic factors
  • Persistent or recurring herpes infections,
  • A weakened immune system, which persistent or recurring herpes infections can cause

 

 

First, What Is a Virus?

 

Viruses are microscopic organisms containing a small number of genes in the form of RNA or DNA that you can hardly detect with an ordinary microscope. They are encapsulated and protected by a protein coating. When a virus takes over a living cell (a host cell), it intends to reproduce itself by taking over how it operates by inserting its RNA or DNA into the cell, which is how herpes hides. Cancer can develop when the RNA or DNA affects the host cell's genes.

 

 

Herpes Viruses Implicated In Causing or Worsening Specific Cancers

 

  • The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus best known for causing mononucleosis or "mono".  Most people in the United States are infected with EBV by the time they are 18, though not everyone develops symptoms. EBV is life-long. It continues to live in white blood cells called B lymphocytes. Like other herpes viruses, there is no cure for EBV, and an EBV infection increases your risk of getting Cancer in the back of the nose (Nasopharyngeal Carcinomathis Cancer), the stomach, or developing certain fast-growing lymphomas, such as Hodgkin's Disease.

 

  • Persistent infection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), combined with HSV-2 (genital herpes) infection, has been associated with an increased risk of developing vulvar, cervical, and penile Cancers.

  • Nearly all tumors contain Kaposi sarcoma (HHV-8) in Cancer patients living with Kaposi sarcoma (KS). HHV-8 is also linked to Cancer of the blood. HHV-8 is common in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

  • HSV-1 and HSV-2 also cause an increased risk of developing Cancer of the anus, prostate, cervix, and skin.

 

 

How Herpes Promotes Cancer

 

We all have cells inside of our body that can turn malignant at any time, whether we live with herpes or not. Interactions between the herpes virus and cancer cells can promote Cancer growth and the spread of new tumors. How?  Herpes evades immune responses and establishes persistent infections by taking over cellular mechanisms (it inhibits antiviral antigens, modifies cytokine production, and suppresses T and killer cells), which leads to the immune system's inability to recognize the virus (altered immune responses), which allows the herpes virus to establish latency (dormancy, remission), reactivate when the opportunity arises, and creates the potential for uncontrolled cellular growth (Cancer). In other words, it can transform normal cells and potentially turn them into malignant ones. 

 

What makes herpes reactivate? Researchers from Cornell University's Baker Institute for Animal Health in Ithaca, NY, have discovered that "herpes' viral DNA sometimes escapes suppressive protein wrappings in nerve cells and becomes reactivated".  Why? Herpes can sense a change in the immune system (immune reactions). I believe herpes reactivates in response to inflammation. Every HSV trigger I've ever researched causes inflammation. Take cortisol, for example. Cortisol is a stress hormone released under stress to combat stress, but chronic stress causes high levels of cortisol, which causes inflammation, which lowers immunity and triggers HSV to reactivate. 

 

Here's the thing: Not only can the immune system not "see" the herpes virus while it's dormant, but it cannot detect and eliminate cancerous cells, which means the control of tumor development is impaired, and Cancer is free to develop, spread, and grow more tumors. 

 

 

Lowering Herpes-Related Cancer Risk

 

It is crucial to take preventive measures by managing stress (HSV triggers) and adopting healthy lifestyle choices, such as following an alkaline diet, maintaining body weight, exercising moderately, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and drinking excessive alcohol. These can all help to reduce the risk of herpes infections and potentially lower herpes-related Cancer risk, which reduces your risk for Cancer. All of these healthy lifestyle choices optimize your immune system.

 

NOTE: Acidity in the internal environment (inside your body) generally contributes to inflammation, activating the herpes virus and developing Cancer. Herpes also promotes chronic inflammation. You might consider following an anti-inflammatory or alkaline diet, which may be beneficial in preventing and curing Cancer. 

 

 

Herpes & Cancer Treatment Considerations

 

When you live with herpes outbreaks and undergo Cancer treatment, there are essential things to consider. It's particularly challenging to manage herpes viruses and Cancer simultaneously because of the potential for the progression of one or both, usually both.

 

Herpes-related Cancers may be more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis compared to Cancers in those who do not have herpes or never or rarely experience outbreaks.

 

Herpes infections can compromise the immune system, leading to Cancer treatments not working as well or at all, which makes it difficult to fight off Cancer cells and increases susceptibility to infections and further complications.

 

One of the challenges of treating simultaneously treating herpes and Cancer is a problem with medications. Antiviral medications can reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs. You'll need to ensure your doctors are on the same page regarding treatments. 

 

Immune suppression caused by allopathic Cancer treatment can increase the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks. Just the gambit of emotions you can go through because of a Cancer diagnosis can cause outbreaks, which is why a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists and infectious disease specialists will need to monitor your treatment approach closely. 

Resources