The Immune System: Your Body’s First, Best, and Most Powerful Defence Against Disease and Cancer
Dr. Praveen Ravishankaran
Consultant Robotic Oncosurgeon (Lap, Robotic and HIPEC Surgery)
In-Charge, Robotic Surgery Programme
GKNM Hospital | Arjun Cancer Centre and Pain Clinic (OPD Services Only)
Founder – Beacon of Hope Cancer Foundation
Introduction: Why Understanding the Immune System Is No Longer Optional
In today’s world, with rising infections, lifestyle diseases, and an increase in cancer cases, understanding the immune system is essential, not optional. The immune system serves as your body’s primary defence, constantly protecting you from:
- Infections
- Chronic inflammatory diseases
- Autoimmune disorders
- And most importantly, cancer
As a Consultant Robotic Oncosurgeon, I have seen how a weakened immune system can affect the development, progression, and recovery from cancer, as well as long-term survival. On the other hand, a strong immune system can significantly improve outcomes, even in advanced diseases.
This article presents the immune system in a simple yet scientifically accurate manner, enabling you to make informed decisions for your health.
What Is the Immune System? (Simple, Scientific Explanation)
The immune system is a sophisticated and highly coordinated network of organs, cells, and chemical messengers. Its main roles are to:
- Identify harmful agents
- Eliminate them efficiently
- Remember past threats to prevent future disease
Key Components of the Immune System
The main components of the immune system include white blood cells (leukocytes), bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, thymus gland, skin and mucosal barriers, as well as antibodies and cytokines. What sets the immune system apart is its ability to remember, adapt, and act intelligently.
Types of Immunity: Innate vs Adaptive Immunity
1. Innate Immunity – The Immediate Defence
Innate immunity is the defence you are born with. It acts quickly and non-specifically through:
- Skin and mucosal barriers
- Macrophages
- Neutrophils
- Natural killer (NK) cells
Innate immunity responds within minutes to hours.
2. Adaptive Immunity – Precision and Memory
Adaptive immunity develops over time and includes:
- T lymphocytes (cell-mediated immunity)
- B lymphocytes (antibody production)
This system is responsible for vaccine effectiveness, long-term protection, and targeted immune therapies used in cancer treatment.
Immune Surveillance: Your Body’s Hidden Cancer Protection System
Every day, cancer cells form in the human body, but immune surveillance—where immune cells detect and destroy abnormal or mutated cells—prevents them from spreading. This process maintains cellular integrity and stops cancer before it starts.
Cancer develops when immune surveillance fails and chronic inflammation damages DNA. Immunity can also be suppressed by lifestyle factors, which is why:
- Smokers
- Chronic alcohol users
- Obese individuals
and all those with long-standing inflammation are at increased risk for cancer.
Chronic Inflammation: The Silent Enemy of Immunity
While short-term inflammation helps protect the body, chronic inflammation is harmful. It is largely caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, chronic stress, and untreated infections.
The consequences of chronic inflammation include DNA damage, immune exhaustion, a tumour-friendly environment, and increased risk for cancers such as those of the colon, liver, stomach, pancreas, and breast.
In oncology, chronic inflammation is recognised as a key driver of cancer formation. The following lifestyle factors are known to weaken the immune system:
1. Poor Sleep
Poor sleep reduces natural killer (NK) cell activity and antibody production.
2. Chronic Stress
Elevated cortisol from chronic stress suppresses immune cell function.
3. Smoking and Alcohol
Both smoking and excessive alcohol directly impair immune surveillance and increase cancer risk.
4. Poor Nutrition
Lack of micronutrients affects immune signalling and overall immune function.
5. Physical Inactivity
Not being physically active reduces immune circulation and the efficiency of immune responses.
Evidence-Based Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System
There is no magic pill for immunity. Strong immune health is built on consistent habits such as:
- 7–8 hours of quality sleep to restore immune balance
- Anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains
- Moderate exercise
- Stress management, meditation, breathing exercises, and maintaining work-life balance
It is important to note that there is no safe threshold for smoking or excessive alcohol when it comes to immune health.
Immune System and Cancer Treatment Outcomes
In modern oncology, the outcome of surgery, the recovery process, tolerance to chemotherapy, and response to immunotherapy are all influenced by the state of the immune system.
From my experience in robotic and minimally invasive cancer surgery, I stress the need for early evaluation and immune optimisation before the disease advances.
When Should You Seek Medical Consultation?
Consult a specialist if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent fatigue
- Recurrent infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic inflammation
- Family history of cancer
- Lifestyle-related risk factors
Early consultation enables risk stratification, preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and improves survival outcomes.
Public Education Through The Wellness Oracle
To bridge the gap between complex medical science and public understanding, I have created a YouTube channel, The Wellness Oracle. The channel uses simple physics experiments, movie scenes, and real-life analogies to explain concepts in biology, immunity, inflammation, and cancer, making them accessible and practical for all age groups.
Consultation Details
GKNM Hospital
- Monday to Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Consultant Robotic Oncosurgeon (Lap, Robotic and HIPEC Surgeon)
- In-Charge, Robotic Surgery Program
Arjun Cancer Centre and Pain Clinic(OPD Services Only)
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
If you are concerned about your immunity, cancer risk, or preventive health, book a consultation early. Prevention is always superior to cure.
About Dr. Praveen Ravishankaran
Dr. Praveen Ravishankaran is a Consultant Robotic Oncosurgeon with expertise in:
- Robotic cancer surgery
- Minimally invasive oncologic procedures
- HIPEC Surgery
- Advanced cancer care and prevention
He is actively associated with:
- GKNM Hospital
- Arjun Cancer Centre
- Public health education through The Wellness Oracle
Websites and Resources
https://www.drpraveenroboticsurgeon.com
https://www.beaconofhopecancerfoundation.com
YouTube: The Wellness Oracle
Medical References (For Authenticity & Credibility)
- Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Elsevier.
- Janeway CA et al. Immunobiology. Garland Science.
- Hanahan D, Weinberg RA. Hallmarks of Cancer. Cell. 2011.
- Schreiber RD et al. Cancer Immunoediting. Science. 2011.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Cancer and Immunity Reports.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI): Immune System and Cancer.
- Medzhitov R. Inflammation and Immunity. Nature. 2008.
- American Cancer Society: Lifestyle Factors and Immune Health.
