Chronic Stress May Lead To Higher Breast Cancer Risk

Chronic Stress May Lead To Higher Breast Cancer RiskWomen who experience chronic stress may be at an increased risk of suffering from breast cancer, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Research.

For the trial, researchers from the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles used mice that were genetically altered to have breast cancer, and put the first group in a small area once per day for two weeks, while the second was used as a control group. During the trial period, the team compared the spread of the disease and tumor growth between the two groups.

The results showed that the stress-induced group developed more cancerous masses throughout their bodies compared to the control group. However, primary tumor growth didn’t appear to be affected by stress, and developed at the same rate in both groups.

These findings provide “evidence for a biological relationship between stress and cancer progression and identifies targets for intervention in the host environment,” said Patricia Ganz, co-author of the trial. She added that “we may be able to say to a patient in the future that if you follow this exercise regimen, meditative practice or take this pill every day it will help prevent recurrence of your cancer.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 patients died from the disease in 2006.