You must have heard how stress is the main source of all health problems in modern life. Here, we ask a doctor to explain its role in causing cancer. keep reading
World Cancer Day 2023: Stress has long been considered one of the risk factors for various health problems, including cancer. It is not acute, but chronic stress leads to multiple health problems, especially in conjunction with environmental pollution, pesticides, unhealthy eating habits, irregular lifestyle, inadequate sleep, and bad habits like excessive alcohol, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc. Here are some ways. why stress can lead to cancer:
- Stress-induced altered immune system: While the exact connection between stress and cancer is not fully understood, one possible link between stress and cancer is through the immune system. Chronic stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can suppress the immune system and reduce its ability to fight cancer.
- Stress leading to unhealthy lifestyle habits: People who are stressed often have a physical and psychological impact and resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, insomnia, smoking and drinking alcohol, factors responsible for the development of cancer. Also, stress can lead to lack of sleep, which increases the risk of developing cancer.
HOW STRESS STOPS THE DNA REPAIR MECHANISM
Stress can affect the body’s ability to normally repair DNA damage, which is important in preventing cancer. Although we know that stress is a part of our lives, it is imperative that we learn ways to manage and overcome it. We can do this by boosting our immunity with the help of regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet, adequate sleep, yoga, meditation, and de-stressing with friends, family, or health professionals.
On World Cancer Day, February 4, let’s commit to living a healthy lifestyle, overcoming chronic stress, and breaking the cycle of rising cancers. Despite this, if there are signs of cancer, such as unusual lumps in the body, or excessive weight loss, do not stress and talk about it with your friends, family or health professionals. Take care early because early detection can completely cure cancers with today’s multimodalities of research and treatment.
–– input from Dr. Bhavna Mehta, Senior Consultant, HOD, Department of Histoanatomical Pathology, Neuberg Supratech Reference Laboratory
