A new study has revealed that being infected with a common childhood virus may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer later in life.
British researchers found in the latest research that viruses can cause DNA damage in bladder tissues.
Scientists have termed the discovery a major breakthrough, believing it may explain why patients who undergo kidney transplants and are more vulnerable to the BK virus, which causes cold-like symptoms face a higher risk of developing bladder cancer afterwards.
Dr. Simon Baker, a researcher at the University of York and the lead author of the study, said that in other types of virus related cancers (such as cervical cancer), viral DNA merges with our genetic material and forms tumors.
He further stated that the findings suggest the immune response of bladder tissues to the virus leads to DNA changes that can trigger cancer.
