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Scientists have long struggled with finding the root cause of most forms of cancer.
A link that is often overlooked is the link between stress and cancer.
When you are stressed, your body goes through a series of physiological changes that are typically temporary.
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Once the stressor passes, it all goes back to normal.
There is a link between your emotional and physical health.
So, in certain instances, emotional health challenges can manifest physically.
Can Stress Cause Cancer?
There is little to no evidence to prove that stress can directly cause cancer to develop.
However, it becomes more challenging to take care of your body and health when you’re stressed.
Its also commonplace for people to develop unhealthy habits as coping mechanisms when stressed.
Practices such as smoking, binge eating, and drinking alcohol excessively are sometimes used tocope with stress.
All of these habits have been linked to the development of cancer.
Research on the link between stress and cancer is conflicting.
Living with chronic stress for an extended period couldweaken your immune system.
The role of your immune system is to protect your body from diseases and infections.
A weakened immune system could make you more susceptible to developing cancer.
When your body is stressed, it ramps the production of hormones such as norepinephrine.
These hormones are thought to stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
There have been numerous studies on animals that prove a direct link between stress and cancer.
However, there have been no conclusive studies on people.
Can Your Stress Level Be Diagnosed?
A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the area where the cancer is suspected of having originated.
The tissue is then examined by a pathologist who will determine if the tissue has cancer cells in it.
How Is Cancer Treated?
There are several types of treatment used for cancer.
The most common is chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is a treatment that aims to kill the cancer cells in your body.
Certain types of cancer might also need surgery to remove growing tumors in certain body parts.
It does, however, ensure that your body and its immune system are always in optimal health.
However, no human studies can conclusively prove that stress is a direct cause of cancer.
However, its essential to prevent chronic stress.
Chronic stress puts your body under stress for extended periods.
Feeling stressed from time to time is typically nothing to fret about.
Cancer is a challenging condition, and receiving a diagnosis can cause you to become stressed.
Staying on top of your stress can help your recovery journey.
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