The key facts
- Direct link between stress and cancer not proven — Sergei Ivanov, RAS
- Mechanisms of possible influence of stress continue to be studied
- Main risk factors: smoking, alcohol, infections
Stress as a cause of cancer not confirmed
A direct link between stress and the development of cancer has not yet been proven, so it is wrong to consider emotional distress an independent cause of oncological diseases. This was reported by corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, head of the A. F. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Center Sergei Ivanov at the XXI National Congress of Therapists.
Position of specialists
'The formula 'stress causes cancer' does not correspond to the level of evidence,' says the materials of the presentation prepared by Ivanov together with chief oncologist of the Russian Ministry of Health Andrei Kaprin. The question of the influence of stress on tumor development continues to be studied: researchers are examining mechanisms ranging from changes in the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems to immune responses and human behavior, but the existing data are insufficient for definitive conclusions.
More significant risk factors
Specialists identify factors whose contribution to the development of malignant tumors is significantly higher: smoking, alcohol consumption and infections. The list of other risk factors includes excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, certain dietary features, polluted air, ultraviolet radiation and exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace.
