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COVID-19 Link to Cancer: Expert Raises Concerns About Potential ‘Pandemic’
A leading cancer researcher has voiced concerns about a potential connection between COVID-19 and an observed rise in cancer cases, particularly among younger individuals. This revelation reportedly surprised commentator Tucker Carlson, as the expert suggested COVID-19 could be a contributing factor to what some are describing as a cancer ‘pandemic’ in America.
Rising Cancer Rates in Younger Populations
The United States is experiencing an increasing incidence of cancer in young, otherwise healthy individuals. Notably, there’s a rise in diagnoses of conditions like colon and pancreatic cancer, illnesses previously considered to primarily affect older demographics.
Exploring Potential Causes: Is COVID-19 a Factor?
While numerous elements such as environmental toxins, dietary habits, and lifestyles have been cited as potential causes for increasing cancer rates in recent years, a prominent cancer researcher is now suggesting a potential link to COVID-19.
Dr. Soon-Shiong’s Theory: COVID-19 as an Oncogenic Virus
During a recent episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a cancer researcher, referred to COVID-19 as a possible ‘oncogenic virus.’ This term implies that the virus possesses the potential to induce cancer development.
He drew a comparison to hepatitis viruses, known to elevate the risk of liver cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases.
Spike Proteins: A Potential Mechanism
Dr. Soon-Shiong proposed that COVID-19 might exert a similar effect due to the spike proteins present on the virus’s surface. These same spike proteins are also components of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and are capable of binding to receptors on human cells throughout the body.
Inflammation and Immune Suppression
According to Dr. Soon-Shiong, when these spike proteins attach to cellular receptors, they can trigger inflammation. This inflammatory response may suppress the function of cells responsible for eliminating diseased cells, including cancerous ones.
ACE2 Receptors and Cancer Susceptibility
This process could potentially contribute to an increase in cancer development, especially in areas of the body with a high concentration of ACE2 receptors, such as the pancreas and colon. These locations might be more susceptible to the described inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
Carlson’s Reaction and the Scale of the Potential Crisis
Carlson reportedly expressed astonishment at this theory, remarking to Dr. Soon-Shiong, ‘It sounds like you’re describing what could be the most significant health crisis in human history.’
Dr. Soon-Shiong responded, ‘Now you know what keeps me up at night,’ highlighting the gravity of his concerns.
Distinction Between Virus and Vaccines
It is important to note that Dr. Soon-Shiong did not differentiate between the COVID-19 virus infection itself and the COVID-19 vaccines in his analysis. A significant proportion of the US population has been exposed to the virus and/or received vaccinations.
Furthermore, he did not express any recommendations against vaccination.
Spike Protein Impact: Vaccine vs. Infection
Dr. Soon-Shiong clarified that spike proteins, whether introduced through vaccination or resulting from a COVID-19 infection, can permeate cells throughout the body.
He elaborated that spike proteins target ACE2 receptors, which are prevalent in blood vessels. This distribution explains how spike proteins can reach various organs, as their function is to utilize ACE2 receptors to enter cells.
Link to Long COVID Symptoms
He suggested this mechanism could explain symptoms like brain fog observed in individuals with COVID-19 or Long COVID, as spike proteins can interact with blood vessels in the brain.
Research Supporting Potential Colon Cancer Link
Research, including a 2021 study in Pharmacological Reports, indicates that ACE2 receptors are highly prevalent on intestinal epithelial cells in the gut, a primary site for colon cancer development.
Additionally, a 2024 study from Chinese researchers indicated that COVID-19 infection could elevate the risk of pancreatic impairment, a condition that can lead to chronic pancreatitis, a recognized risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Observed Rise in Young-Onset Cancers
Dr. Soon-Shiong emphasized the observed increase in cancers among younger individuals: ‘You see young people with pancreatic cancer all of a sudden. You see young people with colon cancer all of a sudden.’
He questioned whether the temporal association between post-COVID-19 infection and vaccination and this rise in young-onset cancers is coincidental, suggesting a potential causal link.
Carlson, in response, stated, ‘By your explanation, we just solved the mystery right there,’ indicating his agreement with the potential connection.
Spike Protein and Cellular Entry
Dr. Soon-Shiong referenced a 2021 study from the University of California – San Francisco that demonstrated spike proteins’ ability to bind to ACE2 receptors, facilitating their entry into human cells.
Impact on Immune Response in Colon Cancer Patients
Further supporting evidence includes a study published last year focusing on colon cancer patients with and without prior COVID-19 infection. The study revealed that the COVID-19 group exhibited lower levels of neutrophils, crucial immune cells that protect against chronic diseases.
The research also detected active replication of the COVID-19 virus within the colon tissue of these patients.
These findings suggest that COVID-19 might contribute to immune system suppression, potentially playing a role in the development or progression of colon cancer.
Colon Cancer: A Growing Threat in Younger Adults
Colon cancer is recognized as one of the cancers with an increasing incidence in younger populations. Projections indicate it could become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in individuals under 50 by 2030.
The American Cancer Society estimates significant numbers for this year, including diagnoses and fatalities related to colon cancer in both the general population and younger age groups.
Spike Proteins and Dormant Cancer Cells
Researchers in the UK have also discovered that spike proteins may reactivate dormant cancer cells and stimulate their growth, potentially increasing the risk of various cancers.
A 2024 animal study further reinforced these concerns, showing that mice with a history of cancer, when infected with COVID-19, experienced accelerated cancer cell multiplication and spread to the lungs.
Focus Shift from Environmental Factors to Immunosuppression
Dr. Soon-Shiong suggested that while research into rising cancer rates in young people often emphasizes environmental exposures, immunosuppression resulting from inflammation could be a more significant underlying cause.
‘Existential’ Threat and Non-Infectious Pandemic
He expressed deep concern, stating, ‘It scares the pants off me because I don’t think it’s virus versus man now. This is existential.’
He concluded, ‘I think when I talk about the largest non-infectious pandemic that we’re afraid of, this is it,’ emphasizing the potential scale of the cancer risk.
Conflicting Views and Need for Further Research
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the evidence regarding a direct causal link between COVID-19 and cancer remains inconclusive. Opinions within the scientific community are currently divided.
John Schiller, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) specializing in cancer-causing viruses, pointed out that viruses known to cause cancer, such as hepatitis and HIV, typically persist in the body for extended periods.
In contrast, COVID-19 infection is generally resolved within weeks. Schiller stated last year that this characteristic of COVID-19 makes it less likely to be a primary driver of cancer development.
Call for More Investigation
Conversely, Dr. Douglas Wallace, a geneticist and evolutionary biologist from the University of Pennsylvania, cautioned about underestimating the virus’s long-term effects. He told Advisory.com that ‘we are completely under-investigating this virus.’
He suggested that the cumulative effects of repeated COVID-19 infections throughout life could be more substantial than currently recognized.
Cautious Hope and Ongoing Research
Dr. Soon-Shiong acknowledged the early stage of this research area, stating, ‘I’m scared but I’m hopeful,’ reflecting a blend of concern and optimism as investigations continue.