Myth of sterility

Science News, April 17, 2004 by Edward P. Tryon

In answer to "Pill Puzzle: Do antibiotics increase breast cancer risk?" (SN: 2/21/04, p. 118), infections elevate activity of the immune system, so they might indirectly suppress tumors of all kinds. If so, antibiotics could increase the incidence of cancer by reducing the duration and degree of infection. The widespread practice of sterilizing our home and work environments could have a similar effect.

EDWARD P. TRYON,

CITY UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK, N.Y.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Science Service, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

 

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