Many people with cancer face extreme levels of stress, often over a long period of time.
Whilst chronic stress is related to a number of physical health problems, such as headaches, stomach issues (diarrhea, bloating and constipation), heart palpitations and chest pain12 , leading cancer organisations suggest the evidence of stress causing cancer as weak.13, 14, 15
In a large meta-analysis (a study of a number of studies) in 2013 found stress, as measured by work-related stress, to be an unlikely risk-factor for cancer development in prostate, lung, colorectal or breast cancers. 17
Rather, it is suggested people who engage in certain life-style related behaviours in an attempt to reduce stress (such as smoking and drinking alcohol) increases their risk for developing cancer. 13,14,15