Sepsis is the body’s extreme and life-threatening reaction to an infection, a condition distinct from the infection that causes it. Separately, cancer is a disease defined by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Surviving a severe illness like sepsis prompts an important question about long-term health consequences. Specifically, researchers and clinicians are exploring whether the biological aftermath of sepsis could elevate a person’s risk of developing cancer in the future.
The Body’s Response to Sepsis
Sepsis triggers a complex and dysregulated response from the body’s immune system. Initially, this can lead to a massive release of inflammatory molecules known as a “cytokine storm.” This systemic inflammation, while intended to fight infection, can cause widespread damage to tissues and organs. If inflammation persists, it can create an environment that fosters cellular damage, potentially harming DNA and promoting the kinds of mutations that can lead to cancer.
Following the initial hyperinflammatory phase, a person’s immune system can enter a state of profound suppression. This condition, sometimes called “immune paralysis,” impairs the body’s ability to fight off new infections and can last long after the initial septic event is resolved. A weakened immune system has a reduced capacity for immune surveillance, the process by which it identifies and destroys abnormal cells, including precancerous and cancerous ones. This period of immunosuppression may therefore allow malignant cells to evade detection and establish themselves.
Investigating the Sepsis-Cancer Link
Large-scale population studies have been important for examining the potential connection between sepsis and a subsequent cancer diagnosis. Research using extensive patient databases has observed that individuals hospitalized for sepsis appear to have a higher incidence of certain cancers in the months and years that follow. These findings suggest a statistical association between surviving sepsis and an increased risk for specific types of malignancies.
Among the cancers most frequently identified in these studies are those of the colon, rectum, lung, and liver. Some research has also pointed to a heightened risk for hematological, or blood-related, cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome.
It is important to interpret these findings with care. The studies demonstrate an association, but they do not definitively prove that sepsis causes cancer. For instance, a major study utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database found that sepsis was linked to an increased risk for several cancers, even five years after the sepsis diagnosis. However, the same study noted a decreased risk for other cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, highlighting the complexity of the relationship.
Shared Risk Factors and Causality
The observed link between sepsis and cancer is complicated by the fact that the two conditions share many common risk factors. Many of the underlying conditions and behaviors that make a person more susceptible to sepsis also independently increase their risk of developing cancer.
Advanced age is a primary risk factor for both sepsis and most cancers. Similarly, lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the risk profiles of both conditions. Chronic diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, and diabetes, also predispose individuals to both severe infections and malignancies. These overlapping factors are known as confounding variables, making it difficult to determine how much of the increased cancer risk is a direct result of the septic episode itself.
While the biological turmoil of sepsis may contribute to an environment where cancer can develop, it’s also plausible that these shared risk factors explain a large part of the statistical connection. An individual with a long-term health condition might be at higher risk for both sepsis and a future cancer diagnosis, with the sepsis event serving as an indicator of underlying vulnerability rather than the primary cause of the cancer. This complexity means researchers must carefully account for these confounders when studying the relationship.
Health Management for Sepsis Survivors
For individuals who have survived sepsis, proactive health management is a forward-looking approach. Maintaining open and consistent communication with healthcare providers about a past sepsis diagnosis is a foundational step. This history is a relevant piece of your overall health profile and can inform future care decisions and monitoring strategies.
Adherence to standard, age-appropriate cancer screenings is particularly important for this population. Following recommendations for routine screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap tests allows for the early detection of potential malignancies, which is fundamental to effective cancer management. Discussing your sepsis history with a doctor can help ensure you are on the correct screening schedule based on your individual risk factors.
Beyond specific screenings, adopting general health-promoting behaviors can help lower overall cancer risk. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption are also well-established strategies for reducing the risk of developing many types of cancer. These actions empower survivors to take control of their long-term health.