I am trying to figure out what role the immune system plays in preventing breast cancer, is there anyone who can help me?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2845458/
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:4j3Z5rFqaO4J:www.breastcanceroptions.org/THE%2520IMMUNE%2520SYSTEM%2520PANEL.pdf+immune+system+preventing+breast+cancer&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgDxMxLFs8OQuzrLMf47YNoARRci8jZLhOU5WSXf37QHaBMqdL6NxMbGChO2NGSF4_zDmh8yoJAr4PlivHLAvGX19w-lU5xjCnQ7-xk5RTZ6ewT_M7JT7wPAgrybu1F3lQuMkpL&sig=AHIEtbQE9J562lH5wkwQvajEYGm9cp2cpQ
http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/immune/boost
Certainly! I can help explain the role of the immune system in preventing breast cancer. The immune system has a vital role in identifying and destroying abnormal cells, including cancer cells, through a process called immunosurveillance. It helps to protect the body from cancer development and progression.
To understand this further, let's go through the steps involved:
1. Immune recognition: The immune system recognizes and identifies cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. When normal cells turn cancerous, they may produce specific molecules or antigens that are recognized as foreign or abnormal by immune cells.
2. Antigen presentation: Immune cells, such as dendritic cells, engulf the cancer cells and process their antigens. These antigens are then presented to other immune cells called lymphocytes, specifically T-cells.
3. Activation of T-cells: T-cells are crucial in coordinating the immune response against cancer cells. When the T-cells encounter cancer antigens, they become activated and start replicating.
4. T-cell response: Activated T-cells can directly kill cancer cells through various mechanisms or stimulate other immune cells to attack cancer cells.
5. Immune response amplification: Cytokines, signaling molecules released by immune cells, further enhance the immune response. This helps recruit more immune cells to the site of the tumor and activate an immune response against the cancer cells.
6. Elimination of cancer cells: The immune response, combined with other factors, aims to eliminate cancer cells from the body. This includes immune cells attacking cancer cells directly or destroying blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tumor.
In breast cancer, the immune system's effectiveness in preventing cancer depends on its ability to recognize and eliminate the cancer cells properly. However, some cancer cells can evade immune recognition or suppress the immune response, allowing them to grow and spread.
It's important to note that breast cancer can still develop despite a functional immune system. However, a strong and well-functioning immune system can contribute to early recognition and elimination of cancer cells, reducing the risk of cancer progression or recurrence.
If you have any specific questions about breast cancer or need additional information, feel free to ask!