(RNS) A study has found that Holocaust survivors may have an increased risk of cancer.
The report, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found a higher percentage of cancer in Jews who immigrated to Israel from Europe after World War II than Jews who came to the country before or during the war. Those who came to the country after the war — and therefore likely survived the Holocaust — had significantly higher rates of all-site, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers.
The authors, from the University of Haifa in Israel, suggest a correlation between severe stress and cancer, as well as exposure to various infections and cold temperatures. A very low calorie diet may also be partially to blame, the experts said, although that would counter other research, which had previously concluded low calorie diets had benefits in warding off cancer.
The study also found larger incidences of lung and bronchial cancer among the group that included Holocaust survivors, but suggests that may be based on tobacco use, often higher among those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The survey of more than 300,000 Israelis found the largest difference in the cancer rates of those born between 1940 and 1945, suggesting those who experienced the stress of the Holocaust as young children received the greatest impact.
The study did not research the individual Holocaust experiences of each group, so it did not differentiate between those who were placed in concentration camps and those who were hidden from the Nazis or had different Holocaust experiences.