Telomer Shield Factor

Stress and Cancer

By Henrik Larsson.

In the field of cancer research, scientists are focusing on if there is a direct connection between stress and cancer. While the effects of stress are still not completely known by scientists, there is some data that stress can have a damaging effect on the immune system, which in turn may increase the rate of cancer. If stress decreases the body’s ability to battle a disease, the body logically loses its ability to kill cancer cells. Recent studies have also found that a few molecules, known to increase in times of stress, have also been linked with cancer.

What is Psychological Stress?

Researchers have long been attempting to uncover whether psychological factors can result in the formation of cancerous tumors, as well as other associations between stress and cancer. It is well worth asking if stress might be linked directly to the development of cancer.

Stress impacts the body in a specific manner. When one is under stress because of a negative occurrence or as a result of an overly busy and stressful lifestyle in general, the body produces more adrenaline and the hormone cortisol. Both hormones function to raise the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. These factors can be quite harmful when combined. In addition, an individual who is under stress may drink more alcohol, smoke more, or begin to gain an excessive amount of weight due to unhealthy eating.

Can Stress Cause Cancer?

Researchers have done many studies to determine if there is a link between personality, stress, and cancer. It appears that there is no concrete scientific evidence that a person’s personality or outlook affects their cancer risk. There are, however, many factors to look at in the relationship between stress and cancer. It is known that stress affects the immune system, but so do many other factors. Despite many studies, a link between psychological stress and cancer has not been proven. Looking at the studies that have been conducted, they sometimes appear to arrive at opposite conclusions.

What Are the Symptoms of Stress?

The signs of acute and chronic stress are generally similar. The most frequent signs of stress appear physically, psychologically and behaviorally.

The signs of physical stresses are: • Alcohol and Drug abuse

Can Stress Lead to Cancer?

Numerous studies have shown that high levels of persistent stress can result in the weakening of the immune system. In turn, it has been suggested that the body may become more vulnerable to viruses that cause cancer. This implies that it is possible for chronic stress to lead to virus-associated cancer, such as lymphoma.

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