|
|
Stress and Cancer
Chronic Stress tends to facilitate tumor growth by increasing activity in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. This results in high levels of ACTH and the glucocorticoids with an associated reduction in immune response. Mediation techniques reduce serum adrenaline and cortisol levels.
Acute Stress may not always have destructive effects however. Glucocorticoids inhibit the proliferation of leukaemia and lymphoma cells by affecting glucocorticoid receptor sites on their plasma membranes. The cortisol levels required to saturate leukaemia cell receptors are only minimally above normal circulating values and may be achevable by an acute stress response. This may account for many spontaneous remissions of these cancers.
Psychological Stress
is very common in patients with cancer. In one study of 215 cancer patients undergoing tratment, 47% could be diagnosed as having DSM-III psychiatric disorder, with the most frequent disorder being reactive depression and anxiety. The method of coping with this stress may be more important than its occurrence. Helplessness, passivity, stoicism and supression of anger appear to be the most detrimental coping mechanisms. A number of studies have reported unfavorable prognosis in passive cancer patients.
Social support tends to reduce stress and has a positive effect on the immune system. Cancer patients with a supportive spouse have higher NK cell function compared with those with lower levels of social support.
Back to Diseases.
|
|
|
