[Laurieston]

I think I read somewhere that the incidents of cancer in bee keepers was disproportionatly low, in comparision with the general population.  Has anyone any information or views/experience on this?

As it is I was stung yesterday, so am feeling very healthy, albeit a little swollen and itchy!

But seriously, anyone know anything?

[Beeducked]

I had heard that beekeepers tend to live longer than the average but never heard of any inverse link specifically with cancer.

[Bionic]

Laurieston, I've never heard of it but it could be because of the honey they eat rather than being stung. I hope so anyway. I am not keen on standing in the firing line
 
Ohhh just realised we don't have a bee emoticon 
 

[Beewyched]

   Oh yes there is - it's in the "more" section 

[anderso]

the reason that beekeepers may live longer is not to do with being stung or eating honey, its the feeling of bless and relaxation when you are working with them or just like me sitting with them. helps keep me sane big time !!!
 
remember Honeybees are for life not just the honey...

[Laurieston]

So, although not conclusive yet, there does seem to be an increased interest in bees/honey in relation to cancer.  Following is the conclusion from the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) ([url=http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/410406/]http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/410406/)[/url]

11. Conclusion
There is now a sizeable evidence that honey is a natural immune booster, natural anti-inflammatory agent, natural antimicrobial agent, natural cancer “vaccine,” and natural promoter for healing chronic ulcers and wounds; some of the risk factors for cancer development. Bee farming is a lucrative business. Honey and cancer have sustainable inverse relationship in the setting of developing nations where resources for cancer prevention and treatment are limited.

So I'm going to go on eating honey. 

I wonder if there is also something to do with people who are physically active, interested in nature and the world around them, invest some time and effort away from the pub and TV, (ie. not the identified typical "Cancer Personalilty"), and of course FEELING BLESSED, might be generally a little healthier too.