Flu, Covid-19 May Reignite Cancer Years Later: Alarming New Study Reveals Trigger

• A Nature study reveals common respiratory infections like flu and Covid-19 can reactivate dormant cancer cells years after successful treatment.
• Viral infections trigger inflammation, particularly via IL-6 protein, awakening disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) hidden in organs like lungs, bones, or liver.
• Mouse models showed influenza and Covid-19 dramatically increased active cancer cells in lungs, with effects lasting months after viral clearance.
• Human data from UK Biobank and breast cancer patients indicates Covid-19 significantly raises cancer mortality risk and lung metastasis.
• Findings suggest protecting cancer survivors from infections and monitoring them closely, with potential for IL-6 blocking therapies.

Why It Matters: Respiratory viruses can awaken dormant cancer cells, increasing recurrence risk years after remission.