Concentration camp is harmful to health

Holocaust survivors are at increased risk of developing cancer

This was confirmed by the analysis of data on the health of 152 622 people

Natalia Pelezneva, Naked Science

Millions of people became victims of the Holocaust – the persecution and mass extermination of representatives of several ethnic and social groups in the 1930s and 1940s. Various sources give figures of up to 20 million people, this number includes survivors.

Israeli scientists analyzed data on the health of 152,622 Holocaust survivors. These data have been recorded for 45 years or more. The victims of the tragedy experienced the influence of many factors traditionally associated with the development of oncological diseases – starvation, infectious diseases, overpopulation of the territory and constant stress. The aim of the researchers was to find out whether there is a statistically significant association between the combination of these factors and an increased risk of cancer.

Scientists compared two groups of people who have ever claimed to receive cash payments to victims of the Holocaust. Various types of cancer were diagnosed in 22% of those who received compensation, and in 16% of people who were denied payments. The risk of developing colorectal cancer in the first group was 12% higher, and lung cancer was 37% higher. There was no significant increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancer in women who survived the Holocaust.

The researchers then divided the survivors into groups by place of birth. Those who were born in the territories occupied by Nazi Germany had an 8% higher risk of developing cancer. The risk of colorectal cancer was also 8% higher, and lung cancer was 12% higher.

Thus, a small but consistently increased risk of developing cancer in Holocaust victims does exist. Previously, such studies were conducted for other diseases. In 2016, scientists suggested an increased risk of schizophrenia among Jews born in Europe in 1928-1945. It was 27% higher than the risk of developing the disease in those who were not persecuted. This effect was limited to one generation: there was no increased risk of schizophrenia in the children of those born in Europe in 1922-1945.

The cancer risk study is published in the journal CANCER (Sadetzki et al., Cancer risk among Holocaust survivors in Israel–A nationwide study).

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru  11.07.2017