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Multiple sclerosis is associated with a decreased risk of cancer. Smoking is a risk factor both for multiple sclerosis and lung cancer. We performed a meta-analysis on studies of cancer frequency in multiple sclerosis. Surprisingly, we found that the risk of lung cancer is reduced in multiple sclerosis [odds ratio 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.59-0.76) P < 0.00001]. Since this does not appear to be secondary to altered smoking behaviour, we hypothesise that this may be secondary to altered immune surveillance.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/qjmed/hcq071

Type

Journal article

Journal

QJM

Publication Date

08/2010

Volume

103

Pages

625 - 626

Keywords

Humans, Lung Neoplasms, Multiple Sclerosis, Odds Ratio, Risk Factors, Smoking