The link between stress and cervical cancer
According to medicalxpress.com, one-third of cervical cancer patients with a history of chronic stress were more likely to die of this illness than their counterparts with no stress-related problems. When drilled down, more than half (50%) of cervical cancer patients with chronic stress were more likely to die of this illness while one-fifth (20%) of those with a history of a stressful life event were more likely to die of cervical cancer.
Furthermore, in general, women with cancer are at increased risk of a range of stress-related conditions, like depression, anxiety, and adjustment problems. Population and experimental research have indicated that chronic stress enhances the progression of cancer.
There are many reasons for the relationship between stress and cervical cancer.
- Women experiencing chronic stress are less likely to seek help early in their cancer and, therefore, there might be a late detection of the cancer.
- Chronic stress has an adverse effect on cellular immune response; this may then escalate the multiplication of cancer cells, including cervical cancer cells.
- Chronic stress can promote infections like HPV that can lead to the growth of cervical cancer cells. HPV is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Although many infections expire with time, some strains of HPV can occasionally result in cervical cancer.
A woman diagnosed with cervical cancer is often in deep despair as life changes from a happy, contented life of being with a loving partner, into a time of constant worry and apprehension over the many stressful life events that are to come.
There are several different factors that are involved in causing stress, which include being a single parent raising a child alone, getting divorced, losing your job or having a large medical bill, having to go through a traumatic illness such as cancer or even an emotional trauma, and many other things.