The Ultimate Stress Blog | Stress Advice and More

Heather Green, freelance writer

In the field of cancer research, one thing that experts are starting to focus on is whether there is a direct correlation between stress and cancer. While the effects of stress are still not entirely known by scientists, there is some evidence that stress can have a negative affect on the immune system – which in turn can increase the rate of cancer. If stress decreases the body’s ability to fight off a disease, the body loses its ability to kill off cancer cells in turn. Recent experiments have also shown that some molecules, which are known to increase in times of stress, have also been linked with cancer.

Each day, the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe exposes us to cancer-causing agents. A healthy immune system will recognize and kill abnormal cells before they produce a tumor. Therefore, one of the big reasons scientists think there’s a link between stress and cancer is because when people are under a great deal of stress, they make poor choices with their body. These include smoking, lack of exercise and poor dietary choices. The end result is that their body simply isn’t healthy enough to fight off those deadly cancer cells.

On the other side of the debate, some scientists strongly deny that there is a connection between cancer and stress. In fact, some carefully controlled studies that focused on individuals in high-stress careers, such as police officers and doctors, did not have a higher rate of cancer due to the level of anxiety in their lives.

Whether or not a direct link between stress and cancer is ever proven, there’s no denying that a strong immune system will keep you healthy. That’s where the importance of emotional stress management comes in. By keeping your stress down to a minimum and learning how to manage it effectively, you can combat stress before it puts you at risk for something greater.

There are lots of ways you can eliminate stress in your life, but experts agree that the best place to start is through exercise. It will lower your anxiety, improve your mood, boost your immune system and so much more. So, if you believe that there truly is a link between stress and cancer, do your body a favor and get out there and take a walk. You’ll be glad you did!

Heather is a freelance writer and the resident blogger for CollegeScholarships.org, an informational website offering tips about women college grants.