Most of us are constantly bombarded by stressors in our daily lives. And while a bit of stress can be beneficial, chronic stress can take a toll on our health. Studies have shown that chronic stress can increase the risk of developing cancer and can also lead to poorer health outcomes for those who are diagnosed with the disease.
One of the ways that stress can increase cancer risk is by affecting our immune system. When we’re constantly under stress, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol can suppress the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and cancer.
Chronic stress can also promote the growth of cancerous cells by increasing inflammation. Inflammation is a normal response to injury or infection, but when it’s constantly triggered, it can lead to the development of chronic diseases like cancer.
If you’re struggling with chronic stress, there are things you can do to manage it. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with supportive people can all help to reduce stress levels. If you’re unable to manage your stress on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Chronic stress can take a toll on your body, and new research suggests it may even contribute to cancer mortality.
Scientists have long known that stress can impact our health, but most of the research has focused on the short-term effects. A new study, published in the journal Cancer, takes a look at the long-term effects of stress and finds that it may be a contributing factor to cancer mortality.
The study followed more than 5,000 individuals for over 20 years, tracking both the level of stress they experienced and any health problems they developed. The researchers found that those who experienced high levels of stress were more likely to die from cancer than those who had lower levels of stress.
The study did not specifically look at why stress might contribute to cancer mortality, but the authors speculate that it may be due to the wear and tear it puts on the body over time. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
While the findings of this study are certainly concerning, it’s important to remember that stress is a natural part of life and not all stress is bad for you. A certain amount of stress can be motivating and even helpful in some situations. It’s only when stress becomes chronic and unmanageable that it starts to take a toll on our health.
If you’re struggling to manage your stress, there are plenty of resources available to help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional to get started on finding a stress-management plan that works for you.
