Decreased prevalence of immediate hypersensitivity (atopy) in a cancer population

It has been suggested that the atopic population has decreased risk of cancer. This investigation examined the cumulative prevalence of atopy in a population with neoplastic disease and compared this with the prevalence of atopy in an age matched control group and with published estimates of atopy in the general population. Seventy four patients with neoplastic disease and 86 patients without cancer were evaluated. The subjects were given a standard allergic questionnaire which evaluated them with regard to a history of allergic symptoms, hives, eczema, frequent colds, frequent unexplained rashes, hay fever, and asthma. All were skin tested with a representative group of regionally significant allergens. There was a 15 fold decrease in prevalence of atopy in the cancer population, compared with the control group and compared with published estimates of atopy in the general population.