B cells are one of the main types of immune cells in our body and play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. Their primary function is to produce antibodies—specialized proteins that can bind to specific antigens, which are foreign substances or microorganisms that have penetrated the body. This ability to recognize antigens is fundamental because it allows B cells to target specific pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi with high specificity.
What Are B Cells?
B cells are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in protecting the body against infections. Their main function is to recognize threats, such as viruses and bacteria, and produce antibodies that help fight off these pathogens. Thanks to B cells, the immune system can effectively defend the body against diseases.
What Problems Can Arise from Dysfunctional B Cells?
Although B cells are essential for immune defense, their function can sometimes be disrupted, leading to serious health conditions. If the processes that regulate their division and function become imbalanced, B cells may start multiplying uncontrollably. This can result in the development of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Why Can B Cells Become Cancerous?
The exact causes of cancerous changes in B cells are not yet fully understood. However, it is known that genetic factors, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices can contribute to these changes. Genetic mutations, such as chromosomal translocations, can activate cancer-promoting genes or deactivate tumor-suppressing genes. This can, in turn, lead to the development of cancers affecting the blood and immune system.
Preventing blood cancers such as lymphomas and leukemias can be challenging because many factors that contribute to their development are not fully understood or are non-modifiable, like genetic predispositions. However, some general steps can be taken to potentially reduce the risk of developing these diseases:
Exercise and Physical Activity: The American Cancer Society emphasizes the importance of exercise and physical activity in preventing cancers. Although not specifically targeted at lymphoma, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise contributes to overall improved health, which could indirectly lower the risk of developing various types of cancer1.
Environmental Exposures: Limiting exposure to certain chemicals that have been epidemiologically linked to lymphomas, like certain pesticides, herbicides, and solvents, can potentially reduce the risk. It’s advisable to reduce contact with known carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde12.
Diet and Nutrition: A healthy diet, while not specifically linked to reducing lymphoma risk, is part of a healthy lifestyle that can help in cancer prevention more broadly. Adequate nutrition supports the immune system and overall health1.
Viral and Bacterial Infections: Some specific subtypes of lymphoma are linked to viral and bacterial infections. While many of these pathogens are widespread and typically harmless, maintaining a healthy immune system can help in preventing these infections from leading to more serious complications like cancer1.
Non-Smoking: Not smoking or quitting smoking is one of the best ways to lower the risk of leukemia, as smoking is a known risk factor for this and many other types of cancer2.
Healthy Body
Weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight is important as some studies suggest that being overweight or obese may increase the risk of leukemia. A balanced diet and regular exercise can aid in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight2.
These preventive measures are general guidelines and do not guarantee that lymphoma or leukemia will not develop. However, they are part of a healthy lifestyle that can improve overall well-being and may help reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancers. It’s always recommended to have regular health check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals for personalized health advice.
Joanna Skorzewska certified dietitian, cosmetologist and personal trainer
