Many people frequently ask me why cancer seems more prevalent today than in the past or why cancer patients often succumb to the disease more quickly than those with other conditions. One of the most significant factors contributing to this trend is stress, a prevalent issue in modern life. Other contributing factors include environmental hazards such as pollution, viruses, and infections, including outbreaks like COVID-19 and Marburg virus. However, in this discussion, I want to emphasise the critical role of stress in cancer development and progression. Managing psychological beliefs, emotions, and expectations remains one of the most challenging aspects of patient care. Stress management is essential for both healthy individuals and cancer patients. Unfortunately, due to the workload in medical settings, healthcare providers often have limited time to educate patients on stress management, prioritizing prescription-based treatment instead. Types of stress and their impact on health Stress is an unavoidable aspect of life, but its effects vary depending on its nature and duration. There are two primary types of stress: Acute Stress – This is short-term stress that arises from temporary challenges. It has minimal long-term impact on the body because it does not cause lasting physiological changes. The body reacts to acute stress by temporarily releasing catecholamines and corticosteroids, which enhance mobility and responsiveness. These biological mechanisms help individuals cope with stress and navigate challenging situations. Chronic Stress – This occurs when stress is prolonged or when solutions to stressors seem unattainable. Chronic stress has severe physiological consequences, leading to conditions such as insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular diseases. When the brain is persistently overwhelmed, mental health deteriorates, increasing the risk of panic attacks and heart-related complications. Chronic stress and cancer The link between chronic stress and cancer is an area of growing concern in the medical community. Research indicates a strong correlation between chronic stress and various cancers, including breast, prostate, gastric, lung, and skin cancer. Chronic stress influences cancer development through several biological mechanisms, including hormone dysregulation, inflammation, and immune system suppression. Hormonal Imbalance – The endocrine system, particularly the thyroid gland, is highly sensitive to emotional stress. Stress activates the hypothalamus, triggering the release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) production. This process can lead to excessive thyroid hormone secretion, causing glandular swelling (hyperplasia) and metabolic imbalances, which may increase cancer susceptibility. Inflammation – Chronic stress induces and activates inflammatory processes in the body. Inflammation and cell necrosis create a tumor-friendly environment, contributing to cancer formation (tumorigenesis). Prolonged inflammation can also impair cognitive functions and further promote cancer progression. Immune System Suppression – Chronic stress weakens the body's defense mechanisms by reducing the number of functional immune cells. A compromised immune system makes the body more susceptible to infections and reduces its ability to combat cancer cells, facilitating tumor growth and metastasis. Stress and tumor growth Stress also promotes tumor growth by stimulating angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors. This explains why anemia is common in cancer patients—tumors divert nutrients and oxygen from normal tissues. In medical practice, treatments aimed at disrupting these tumor blood vessels are used, but success can be challenging. Chronic stress is not only a contributor to various health complications but also a significant factor in cancer development and progression. Managing stress through lifestyle modifications, therapy, and support systems is crucial in reducing cancer risk and improving treatment outcomes. The writer is a cancer specialist with a focus on solid tumors.
