We all have heard that stress may lead to higher risk in cancer. But in fact, there is no scientifically proven relationship between cancer and stress. Scientists know that psychological stress can affect the immune system and hence, the body’s fighting system against diseases such as cancer.
The body responds to stress by releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline which enable a person to react with more agility. Stress hormones increase blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar level. High levels of stress can cause the body harm.
Chronic stress can increase risk of obesity, heart disease, depression and various other illnesses. Stress also leads to unhealthy behaviours such as overeating, smoking or drug and alcohol abuse, therefore affecting cancer risk.
Studies have shown that relationship between psychological factors such as stress and cancer have produced conflicting results. Although the results of some studies have indicated a link between various psychological factors and an increased risk of developing cancer, a direct cause and effect relationship has not been proven. Some studies have shown an indirect relationship between stress and certain types of virus related tumours. Evidence from both animal and human studies suggest that chronic stress weakens a person’s immune system, which in turn may affect the incidence of virus associated cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma (cancer of connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, or fat) and some lymphomas (cancer of the immune system).
Recent research with animals (with a disease similar or the same as disease in humans) suggests that the body’s neuroendocrine response ( release of hormones into the blood in response to stimulation of the nervous system) can directly alter important processes in cells that help protect against the formation of cancer, such as DNA repair and the regulation of cell growth.
Some scientists have suggested that the effects of stress on the immune system can in turn affect the growth of some tumours. However, recent research with animals indicates that the body’s release of stress hormones can affect cancer cell functions directly.
A review of studies that evaluated psychological factors and outcome in cancer patients suggests a link with certain psychological factors, such as feeling helpless or suppressing negative emotions, and the growth or spread of cancer, although this relationship was not consistently seen in all studies. In general, stronger relationships have been found between psychological factors and cancer, although this relationship is not consistent with all studies.
Although it has yet to be proven if stress has a direct link with cancer, it has been proven that stress does indeed have an effect on your body. Without a strong, healthy body, how can one expect to win the battle with cancer? It is important that we have a happy healthy outlook on life. We need to keep a good balance in life, Mind, Body and Soul.
Not too much, not too little, just enough.
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