Can Stress Cause Cancer

Various researchers have tried to reveal the mystery and chemistry of cancer while trying to shed more light on the connection between stress and cancer. Though no study report establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between stress and cancer, many studies show that excessive stress can increase the risk of developing cancer just as it increases the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, obesity and infertility.

How Can Stress Cause Cancer

Teenagers experience 'exam stress' or stress due to divorce of parents. Job stress has become an invariable part of the modern lifestyle. Our body has its own ways of fighting stress. Various hormones such as adrenalin, dopamine, cortisol, noradrenalin, and endorphins, are released in the blood when you are under stress, and they determine the 'fight or flight' reaction of the body towards stress. As the question "how does stress affect health" is lurking in your mind, here is the related information.

Weak Immune System:
The abnormal growth of cells in the body is referred to as cancer. These cells invade healthy tissues and organs, eventually leading to death. The exact cause of cancer is not yet known. Along with genetic factors, environmental factors do increase the risk of having cancer. Developing illnesses is a sign of weakened immune system. If you have a strong immune system, you can prevent abnormal growth of cells just as you can fight viruses and bacteria. Stress affects the functioning of the immune system and it even worsens symptoms of most of the diseases and disorders. The chances of development of cancer are more if the immune system is not functioning well. Some cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma and some lymphomas are caused by viruses. A strong immune system helps prevent these cancers.

Side Effects of Stress:
Effects of stress on health include physiological, psychological and behavioral changes such as headache, insomnia, back pain, increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, fluctuations in blood glucose levels, anxiety, depression, anger and irritability, restlessness, lack of concentration, etc. Side effects of stress also include overeating, weight gain, obesity, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases and also to cancer in some cases. People tend to drink more alcohol or tend to consume drugs when they are under stress. Increased smoking is noticed in case of stressed people. All these bad habits increase your risk of developing cancer.

Stress Management

You must have realized that various factors can generate stress. For example, financial problems, relationship issues, parental conflict, busy lifestyle, exposure to abusive relationships, loss of any precious object or beloved, major life changes, competition in every field, lack of nutrients are responsible for increased level of stress. Those who feel helpless due to increased stress levels may find use of stress relievers beneficial. They need to consult their physician for this. Children as well as adults need to learn stress management techniques and relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation. Getting enough sleep, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping a positive attitude, managing your time perfectly can help avoid stress. You need to accept the fact that sometimes things are beyond control.

It is difficult to answer the question, "does stress cause cancer" as more research is needed to prove that stress can cause cancer. A recent study which involved animal models shows that release of stress hormones by the stressed body, affects cancer cell functions directly. Some studies which involved cancer patients, suggest that negative emotions can lead to devastating effects such as growth or spread of cancer.

It is equally true that stress is sometimes essential to bring the best in you as a little stress makes you alert and focused. So having stress is not always bad. A completely stress-free life may perhaps make you lazy and unproductive. Since the question, "can stress cause cancer" is swirling in your mind, it is better to take precautions and avoid 'excessive' stress. Neglected or untreated side effects of chronic stress have already been described above. I hope this article helps you lead a healthy and stress-free life.