Chronic stress as a risk factor for the incidence and progression of cancer?

Česká verzia

Authors: V. Bencko; CH. Appelman
Authors place of work: Přednosta: prof. MUDr. Milan Tuček, CSc. ; Ústav hygieny a epidemiologie 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha
Published in the journal: Prakt. Lék. 2019; 99(1): 18-20
Category: Of different specialties

Summary

Acute stress response is a physiological response to the onset of stress of homeostatic mechanisms. The transition to its chronic phase then enters due to the continuous or too intense perception of the threat. The reaction denoted by maladaptation is permanently activated, although it is not an asset but a burden for the organism. Through neurohumoral and immune-modulation mechanisms, stress, especially chronic one, increases perception of physical and mental exertion, such as feelings of isolation, lack of support, hopelessness and a feeling of dissatisfaction (typically, for example, in breast cancer patients). The difficulty in finding a causal relationship in this context is the fact that epidemiological studies on chronic stress often do not meet the demanding requirements of evidence-based medicine. Various neurohumoral and immunodisruptive mechanisms, increased levels of chronic psychological distress, such as, feelings of isolation, lack of support, hopelessness and dissatisfaction trigger cellular events leading to increased cancer progression, metastasis and poorer survival for cancer patients. Numerous studies, in particular on breast cancer patients, have showed these results. The results on cancer risk and stress levels are not still satisfactory and more and better designed epidemiological studies need to be undertaken to reach a more definite conclusion. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis process can help to develop individual strategies for early diagnosis and effective treatment based on the specific characteristics of the individual patient. The importance of early diagnosis of disease risk as well as positive responses to early treatment was proven.

Keywords:

chronic stress – maladaptation, neurohumoral mechanisms – immune modulating mechanisms – incidence of neoplasms – cancer progression – early diagnosis

Zdroje

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