Cancer: stress does not increase the risk of developing most types of cancer.
Scientists have determined that stress alone does not increase the risk of developing most types of cancer. This conclusion was made by the authors of a large meta-analysis published in the journal Cancer.
The study covered data from 421,800 people. The authors analyzed whether various psychosocial factors, often perceived as manifestations of stress—such as recent loss of a loved one, low social support, lack of relationships, neuroticism, and general psychological distress—are associated with cancer risk. During the observation period, more than 35,000 cases of cancer were recorded.
It turned out that for cancer in general, as well as for breast, prostate, bowel cancer, and most other forms, no convincing link to stress was found. Some connection was observed only for lung cancer; however, after accounting for known risk factors, primarily smoking and lifestyle characteristics, it significantly weakened in most cases.
According to the researchers, the results do not support the widespread idea that experiences or stress alone trigger cancer. The authors believe that the findings may be important for individuals who tend to blame themselves for illness due to difficult life events or chronic stress.
