The Harmful Effects of Chronic Stress on the Development of Cancer and The Strategies That Can Be Used to mitigate it

Abstract

Stress, a state of worry caused by a difficult situation, is carried out by the parasympathetic nervous system and acute or short-term stress can benefit us in many ways. However, chronic or long-term stress can be extremely harmful and provide detrimental effects to the body by weakening it. Studies have shown a correlation between chronic stress and cancer. One of the mechanisms chronic stress can contribute to cancer is by weakening our immune system. This paper reviews published articles to find connections among the immune, endocrine and nervous systems and how they interact via release of certain cytokines and hormones in response to stressful situations. The impact of enhanced inflammatory processes and cancer progression are discussed. This paper also sheds light into certain mental health issues that cancer patients have faced before or during their cancer diagnosis and treatment. There are certain factors, such as gender, age, genetics, and country or region of residence, which impact stress responses with implications on disease outcome. Cancer patients also experience a lot of changes in the neuronal structure, increase in glucocorticoid signaling, CRH gene expression, and HPA axis as well as DNA damage and p53 protein suppression, when they experience chronic stress. There are also elevated cortisol levels and HPA axis dysregulation which can be combated through anti-inflammatory treatments. The paper concludes by discussing how certain activities, like yoga, tai-chi, and meditation can help alleviate chronic stress. The results are promising as there has been a decrease in self-reported depression and anxiety, and an increase in sleep, relaxation, and cognition.