Increased cancer incidence in Holocaust survivors and the implications for survivors of other extreme events

Boker, Lital Keinan

doi:10.1080/14737140.2018.1521274

Cited by 5 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Several studies have demonstrated a protective effect of moderate calorie restriction on cancer incidence [35]. In contrast, extreme and severe calorie and nutrient restrictions, as experienced during famines and during the Holocaust, have been shown to significantly increase cancer rates [35]. On first sight, this might disagree with the hypothesis of this review that our bodies promote cancer if glycemic load is out of control, and then reduce cancer growth once blood glucose levels have been normalized.…”

Section: Cancers In Conditions Of Severe Nutritional Deficitsmentioning

confidence: 75%

Section: Cancers In Conditions Of Severe Nutritional Deficitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On first sight, this might disagree with the hypothesis of this review that our bodies promote cancer if glycemic load is out of control, and then reduce cancer growth once blood glucose levels have been normalized. However, the Holocaust was associated with critical and life-threatening restrictions in nutrients, extreme psychological stress and violence, and large-scale exposure to the elements and infections [35]. All of these factors are known to have significant effects of metabolic dysregulation, immune function, and subsequently increased cancer rates.…”

Section: Cancers In Conditions Of Severe Nutritional Deficitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cancer—A Pragmatic Switch to Combat Metabolic Syndrome?

Claras¹

2023

Oncol Rev.

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Both cancer and metabolic disease have become the prevalent health risks in modern societies worldwide. Cancer is a complex set of illnesses with many definitions. About 15% of cancers are caused by infections, and 10% carry a hereditary burden. The remaining 70%–75% cancers are associated with a variety of processes, often associated with metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation. This review examines the role of metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation in cancer development. I propose a novel concept of a switch, in which our intelligent body uses its sophisticated set of subsystems and sensors to pragmatically anticipate and combat metabolic dysfunction as its’ most direct and dire threat first, while temporarily accepting cancer as a state that in any other circumstances would be considered detrimental, and utilizing cancer as an additional tool to lower glucose levels. Once metabolic dysfunction has been resolved this switch is reversed, and cancer growth will be impaired.

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Section: Cancers In Conditions Of Severe Nutritional Deficitsmentioning

confidence: 75%

Section: Cancers In Conditions Of Severe Nutritional Deficitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cancers In Conditions Of Severe Nutritional Deficitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cancer—A Pragmatic Switch to Combat Metabolic Syndrome?

Claras¹

2023

Oncol Rev.

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“…27 Other researchers have claimed that a reversible and short-term exposure, such as that observed in the "Hunger Winter", can disrupt the adaptability of endocrine systems and hormonal balance, which could increase the risk of cancer in the long term. 28 However, in a Norwegian study based on ecological rather than individual data, caloric restriction during WWII was actually linked to protection against breast cancer. 29 Several additional physiological mechanisms may explain the prevalence rates of risk factors for chronic disease and the higher prevalence rates of chronic diseases among some Holocaust survivors compared with non-Holocaust-exposed older adults.…”

Section: Chronic Morbiditymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…32 Another proposed biological mechanism is epigenetic changes, which can occur during exposure to extensive trauma and continuous hunger, such as during the Holocaust. 28 Maternal exposure to continuous hunger during pregnancy has been associated with chronic morbidities in the child years later due to, inter alia, epigenetic changes. 28 Some behavioral mechanisms may be associated with Holocaust survivors' response to the experienced trauma and their health status.…”

Section: Chronic Morbiditymentioning

confidence: 99%

Exposure to Holocaust is associated with chronic morbidity in older adults–Results from national health and nutrition surveys

Lubel,

Dichtiar,

Sinai

et al. 2024

J American Geriatrics Society

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BackgroundAlthough studies have suggested that Holocaust survivors are more likely than their non‐Holocaust‐exposed counterparts to suffer from mental and chronic morbidity, methodology differences and potential confounders often compromise result replicability and external validity. We examined associations between Holocaust exposure and chronic morbidity, as well as overall risk of mortality.MethodsSociodemographic, health‐related behavior and nutritional‐intake data from two representative National Health and Nutrition Survey Ages 65 and Over—the 2005–2006 MABAT ZAHAV 1 (MZ1) and the 2014–2015 MZ2, including face‐to‐face interviews and anthropometric measurements—were analyzed. Demographic, health, nutritional and lifestyle characteristics, and exposure to the Holocaust were self‐reported. Longitudinal data on overall mortality were obtained by linking the MZ1 population to the population registry dataset. Associations between Holocaust exposure and prevalence of chronic morbidity and risk factors were estimated by multivariable logistic regression analyses, and to risk of overall mortality by Cox regression analysis, both adjusted to significant covariates.ResultsAmong 2096 study participants aged 75.7 ± 6.1 years, 47.0% male, 518 were Holocaust survivors. In the fully adjusted model, Holocaust exposure was associated with increased prevalence of heart disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.83), metabolic syndrome (OR 2.28, CI 1.23–4.21), and stroke (OR 1.77, CI 1.17–2.69), but not cancer or osteoporosis. Holocaust exposure did not substantially affect the overall risk of mortality (hazard ratio 1.10, CI 0.92–1.32).ConclusionsFurther research is needed to understand the mechanisms governing long‐term outcomes of exposure to acute physical or mental trauma.

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