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Emotional Health

Stress and cancer

Although studies have shown that stress factors (such as death of a spouse or social isolation) alter the way the immune system functions, they have not provided scientific evidence of a direct relationship between these immune system changes and the development of cancer. Several studies have indicated a higher rate of early death, including cancer death, among people who have experienced the recent loss of a spouse or other loved one. But, most cancers have been developing for many years, and it is unlikely that cancer would be triggered by the recent death of a loved one. Some studies of women with breast cancer, however, have shown significantly higher rates of the disease among those women who experienced traumatic life events and losses within the previous several years.

Although the relationship between psychological stress and cancer has not been scientifically proven, stress reduction is always a positive thing and can aid in preventing other forms of stress-induced diseases.