How does stress affect health?

Stress (or psychological stress) often gets a bad rep in the news. It’s actually the body’s natural reaction to difficult or threatening situations. When we’re stressed, the body tries to help us respond to the situation by releasing stress hormones, which ultimately lead to changes like increased heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. This is also referred to as the fight-or-flight response and can be helpful in short bursts (like if you have a presentation or need to react to a dangerous situation). When stress lingers or becomes chronic, that’s when it can take a toll on health.

Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease and high blood pressure. But can we say the same about cancer?

Can stress worsen cancer?

If we look at what the National Cancer Institute has to say, it’s still unclear whether stress increases cancer risk. For example, one study has linked stress with a higher incidence of lung cancer, but another did not find a link with breast cancer

In terms of whether it actually worsens existing cancer, studies (in animals) show that chronic stress can make cancer worse and spread. Does having chronic stress affect people’s chances of surviving cancer? At this point, the evidence is still inconclusive.

However, this doesn’t mean that a chronic stress response can’t have indirect effects on cancer recovery. Stress can put you in a state of feeling overwhelmed or on edge, which can impact treatment adherence or make the best cancer treatment decisions.

How does stress affect cancer recovery?

Here are some ways that stress could possibly affect cancer recovery, though more research is needed to confirm the link:

• Impaired immune function: Chronic stress may suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to respond properly to treatment.

• Increased inflammation: Ongoing stress may lead to inflammation, which can create an environment where cancer cells thrive.

• Hormonal shifts: Stress hormones could possibly wake up dormant cancer cells.

• Behavioral and emotional impact: When stressed, you may struggle to maintain healthy habits like eating well, exercising, or sticking to treatment plans — all of which are important for recovery.

How can cancer patients reduce stress?

Even though the research isn’t clear about how stress directly worsens cancer, it’s still important to manage it to improve overall well-being. This doesn’t mean pretending to be positive all the time. It’s about being intentional in creating moments of relief and calm.

Here are some ways cancer patients can support their emotional health:

• Talk to someone: Speaking with a counselor, therapist, or trusted friend can lighten emotional burdens. Osara Health’s professional coaches work with participants to identify stressors in their lives and develop effective ways of managing them.

• Join a cancer support group: Connect with others like cancer survivors or those undergoing cancer treatment. Speaking to others who are going through similar experiences can help ease feelings of isolation.

• Practice relaxation techniques: Simple activities like deep breathing, guided imagery, or mindfulness meditation can help calm racing thoughts.

• Move around: Gentle activities like walking or stretching can reduce tension and improve mood.

• Do things that create calm: Listening to music, reading, or spending time in nature can offer emotional rest during difficult days.

• Check employee health benefits: You might be able to access cancer support programs like Osara Health, which provides professional guidance and educational resources on managing stress.

Managing cancer isn’t just about medical treatment. Taking a holistic view, which includes looking after mental health, is just as important. While the science on whether stress impacts cancer recovery isn’t definitive, easing this emotional burden can make a meaningful difference in living a more balanced life throughout the journey.