Stress – how do we even begin to describe it?
Stress is the uninvited guest at brunch, showing up unannounced and overstaying its welcome. It’s the traffic jam that arrives when you’re already running late, the urgent but unanswered email in your inbox, and the forgotten grocery list when you’re at the market. Although annoying (to say the least), dear ‘ole stress is a normal and generally harmless physical response. However, once stress overwhelms you or persists for too long, it becomes a problem. It can interfere with bodily functions, potentially causing diseases like breast cancer.
While most of us are already familiar with this six-letter word, not everyone knows about its link to breast cancer. So, let’s get to know our unwelcome guest a bit more, understanding its role in malignant tumor development.
Psychological Stress and Breast Cancer Incidence
Breast cancer occurs when malignant growths form within the breast. These abnormal cells can detach from the primary tumor and invade either blood vessels or lymphatic vessels, which then branch into various tissues throughout the body. This migration of cancer cells to different areas of the body, where they proceed to harm other tissues and organs, is referred to as metastasis.
Now, you might be wondering, “Am I at risk?” It depends on the complex relationships between your genetic makeup and surrounding environment. Specifically, these breast cancer risk factors influence your likelihood of getting the disease:
- Aging
- Assigned female at birth
- Inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- Family history of breast cancer
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Early menstruation (before age 12)
- Late menopause (after age 55)
- Radiation exposure
- Oral contraceptives
- Breast density
Learn more about breast cancer risk factors here.
And let’s not forget today’s main topic: STRESS. Read on for a real-life example of how stress contributes to breast cancer development.
This is the story of Roxy Jacenko, a PR executive from Sydney, Australia. After giving birth to her two children, she decided to jump back into work. A few years later, at the young age of 36, news broke out that she found a lump in her left breast, which turned out to be malignant. During this time, her husband Oliver Curtis was guilty of insider trading and imprisoned at Parklea Correctional Centre.
Jacenko was going through a lot. She took on the role of mother, father, and breadwinner, which turned her life upside down. Did the stress of it all contribute to her breast cancer diagnosis?
Evidence on Stress-Breast Cancer Connection
The National Cancer Institute claims that there is no direct link between stress and breast cancer. However, trying to relieve stress can lead people to adopt habits that increase their cancer risk. For example, people often turn to smoking, overeating, and excessive alcohol intake to cope with stress. Moreover, this physical response to danger, threats, and demands releases hormones like cortisol, which, in prolonged spurts, worsens inflammation and can suppress the immune system’s ability to fight off invaders, including cancer cells.
n an interview with Australian media company Mamamia, Jacenko said, “Anyone who has said stress has nothing to do with cancer – I disagree,” and the studies below echo her sentiments.
- High stress levels in early life show the strongest breast cancer association. [BMC]
- A qualitative analysis of 52 studies and over 700,000 women found a link between stress and breast cancer, especially when women experience prolonged periods of stressful life events. [PubMed Abstract]
- Research involving 858 Polish women concluded that severe life events (death of a loved one, major illness or injury, divorce, etc.) increased breast cancer risk. [Taylor & Francis Online]
In contrast, the following studies found no relationship between stress and breast cancer:
- In a study involving 106,000 women from the United Kingdom, the researchers found no discernible ties between breast cancer risk and levels of perceived stress or adverse life events experienced in the last five years. [PubMed Abstract]
- A 15-year prospective study of Australian women with increased familial breast cancer risk discovered no significant associations between acute or chronic stressors, social support, optimism, emotional traits, and breast cancer risk. [PubMed Abstract]
- A meta-analysis of 12 cohort studies conducted in Europe did not establish a link between work-related stress and the risk of breast, lung, colorectal, or prostate cancers. [PubMed Abstract]
The Verdict: Can Stress Cause Breast Cancer?
Stress impacts various bodily functions, but current research does not establish a clear or direct link to breast cancer. Stress can, however, influence lifestyle habits that elevate the risk of breast cancer occurrence.
In other words, stress may not directly cause breast cancer, but it may indirectly contribute to its development. More extensive research is necessary to determine whether stress plays a bigger role in cancer incidence.
Going back to Roxy Jacenko, it is unclear whether the mom of two resorted to smoking, drinking, or other unhealthy habits to cope with stress. If not, and stress was her only risk factor, it’s important to understand that breast cancer is unpredictable. The exact causes are not fully understood.
How to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
While some risk factors are beyond human intervention, like aging and genetics, many are within your control. Here’s a comprehensive strategy for minimizing your risk of breast cancer:
- Avoid radiation exposure: Discuss alternative diagnostic or treatment methods that do not involve radiation.
- Plan pregnancies, especially your first: If becoming a mom is one of your life goals, time it wisely. Getting pregnant for the first time at any age over 35 raises your risk of breast cancer. Discuss family planning with your spouse and healthcare team to make informed decisions.
- Prioritize early detection: Catching breast cancer early drastically improves the chances of successful treatment. Perform monthly breast self-exams and undergo routine mammograms to detect unusual masses or changes.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress is increasingly recognized as a health-deteriorating factor. To alleviate stress in your daily life, make time for relaxation techniques like yoga, mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies you love. Seeking support from friends, family, or professional counselors can also help you cope with chronic stress. Remember, at this rate, stress management is essential for breast cancer prevention and overall wellness.
Also read: 10 Lifestyle Habits to Significantly Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer
What to Do When Breast Cancer Strikes
When cancer occurs, timely and advanced treatments matter most. Choose New Hope Medical Center for specialized care, full support, and alternative breast cancer treatments that stimulate tumor regression. Your journey toward remission begins here. Reach out today for a brighter, cancer-free tomorrow.