MAY 10 — When most people think about the immune system, they think of protection against infections by fighting off the common cold, influenza, or more serious diseases such as Covid-19.
Rarely do we stop to consider that our immune system is also quietly engaged in another life-saving battle: protecting us from cancer.
This message is especially timely as the world marked International Day of Immunology on April 29, a reminder of the extraordinary role the immune system plays in safeguarding our health, often in ways we do not see.
Imagine, for a moment, that your body is a bustling city. In every city, law and order depends on a vigilant police force as officers patrolling the streets, identifying threats, responding to emergencies, and keeping the public safe. Our immune system works in much the same way.
Immune cells are the body’s internal police force. Some act like patrol officers, constantly circulating through the blood and tissues, scanning for suspicious activity.
Natural killer (NK) cells are among the rapid responders, highly trained officers that can quickly detect and eliminate abnormal or stressed cells before they cause harm.
T cells are more like specialised investigators and tactical units, able to recognise specific threats, track them down, and destroy dangerous cells with remarkable precision.
Other immune cells function as intelligence officers, collecting evidence, sending warning signals, and coordinating a wider defensive response.
Every day, billions of cells in our body grow, divide, and die as part of normal life.
Occasionally, some cells begin behaving abnormally due to genetic mutations by ignoring the body’s rules and multiplying uncontrollably.
These rogue cells can eventually become cancer.
This photo taken on January 14, 2026 shows a cross section of a cancer sample removed in surgery, sandwiched between two slides, pictured in a storeroom at St Mark’s hospital at Northwick Park in Harrow, west London. — AFP pic
But just as a city’s police force works to stop crime before it spreads, our immune system is constantly identifying and removing potentially cancerous cells before they develop into dangerous tumours.
Much of this silent protection happens without us ever knowing. The challenge is that cancer can behave like organised crime, very clever, adaptive, and capable of evading detection.
Tumours can disguise themselves, suppress immune responses, and create environments where immune cells become less effective. In other words, cancer can hide in plain sight.
Modern immunology is now helping the body’s police force fight back.
Through immunotherapy, scientists are developing treatments that strengthen immune cells, remove the “brakes” that prevent them from attacking tumours, and help them recognise cancer more effectively.
In recent years, these advances have transformed cancer treatment, offering hope to patients facing cancers once considered difficult to treat.
For Malaysia, this is a timely reminder of why immunology matters. As cancer cases continue to rise, investment in biomedical research, early detection, and innovative therapies is increasingly important.
Malaysia has growing expertise in immunology and cancer science, and with stronger support for research and public awareness, the country can contribute meaningfully to global advances in healthcare.
As we reflect on International Day of Immunology, we should remember this: within each of us is a highly intelligent defence force, working day and night to keep us safe.
Quietly vigilant, remarkably sophisticated, and always on duty as our immune system is the body’s hidden protector, and one of our greatest weapons against cancer.
* Dr Norfarazieda Hassan is from the Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Universiti Sains Malaysia and can be reached at [email protected]
** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
