As a founding member of the American Holistic Medical Association and a retired OB-GYN and cosmetic surgeon, I have witnessed the significant impact stress can have on both mental and physical health. During my early years of practice in the 1970s, I incorporated biofeedback into my patient care. One of the key takeaways from this experience was the quantification of stress. In those days, we assigned a numeric value of 150 to any major life stressor—whether it was the death of a loved one, a divorce, or losing a job. Interestingly, even positive events like getting married, receiving a promotion, or having a baby were also given the same stress value of 150. Studies at the time revealed that when a person accumulated 300 points (the equivalent of two major stresses) within a 6- to 12-month period, there was a 50% chance of developing a major illness.
With this background, I was particularly drawn to an article by Dr. Richard Frank, in which he explores the connection between stress and cancer—a topic that remains intriguing and worth further research.
Dr. Frank shares a common concern among his patients: the question of whether stress can cause cancer. Many cancer patients report experiencing stressful events before their diagnosis or relapse and often wonder if stress played a role in their illness. While there is no definitive evidence yet, the question of stress as a possible cancer trigger warrants further exploration.
Stress, as defined by many, is a state of physiological or emotional strain resulting from adverse events. It can be acute—such as an injury, a death in the family, or a cancer diagnosis—or chronic, like the ongoing strain of caring for a loved one with a long-term illness or coping with job-related stress. Both types of stress can lead to depression and other mental health challenges, which in turn affect overall well-being.
Several epidemiological studies have established links between stress, depression, and a lack of social support and the development of cancer. For instance, a large study conducted in Finland found that events such as divorce, the loss of a spouse, or losing a close friend were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. On the flip side, studies have shown that strong social support can improve cancer patients' outcomes.
This brings us to a growing field of research known as psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), which explores how our mental and emotional states—whether stressed or relaxed—affect our endocrine and nervous systems. This, in turn, can impact the immune system and overall health. When the body experiences stress, it releases chemicals like adrenaline, cortisol, and other hormones that can alter immune function and increase inflammation. Since both immunity and inflammation play a crucial role in cancer development, this provides a plausible pathway through which stress may influence cancer.
Despite these promising insights, the scientific foundation for linking stress directly to cancer remains inconclusive. However, the good news is that we are beginning to understand how to counteract the effects of stress. Integrative therapies, which have become increasingly popular among cancer patients, can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Practices such as yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, reflexology, massage, and even music therapy have been shown to help cancer patients manage stress, boost their immune systems, and enhance their quality of life.
Additionally, emotional and social support—through counseling or support groups—plays a pivotal role in stress reduction. By improving their ability to cope with stress, cancer patients may improve their chances of survival.
While the research on stress as a cause of cancer is still evolving, it's clear that stress management is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. Whether through relaxation techniques, integrative therapies, or social support, lowering stress and improving emotional health can play a key role in enhancing the body’s resilience during a cancer diagnosis and treatment. As we continue to explore this complex relationship, we are uncovering new ways to not just treat cancer, but to empower patients with tools that improve their overall health and survival.
