(Cervical Cancer) Can Stress Worsen the Condition?

On August 1, 2019, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) published in Cancer Research magazine: "Research results show that among female cancer patients with cervical cancer, psychological stress increases the risk of death."

When diagnosed with cancer, patients may experience depression, anxiety, stress reactions, and adjustment disorders, increasing the risk of stress-related psychiatric disorders. The lead author of the study, Dr. Donghao Lu (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, who completed his doctorate and served as the principal investigator of this study) stated: Emerging evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies suggests that psychological distress may influence the progression of many types of cancer.

This study investigated the impact of stress on mortality risk in patients classified with cervical cancer. A total of 4,245 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer in Sweden between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2011 were examined. Using personal identification numbers linked to the Swedish Patient Registry, nationwide Swedish discharge records and follow-up data were collected. Using data from this registry, patients were identified as having or not having depression, anxiety, stress reactions, or adjustment disorders in their clinical diagnosis.

Dr. Lu stated: Patients who experienced the death or serious illness of a family member, divorce, unemployment, or stressful life events can better reflect the emotional burden on patients.

Through the Swedish Cause of Death Registry, women who died from cervical cancer or unspecified cervical cancer were identified. During the follow-up period, 1,392 patients died, of whom 1,005 died from cervical cancer.

Among all 1,797 patients, regardless of whether they had stress-related disorders or external stress-related events, the number of patients who died from the disease was 33% higher than patients who did not report stress-related issues. Patients with stress-related disorders had a 55% higher likelihood of dying from cervical cancer, and those who had experienced stressful life events had a 20% higher likelihood.

Dr. Lu stated: There are several possible explanations for the relationship between psychological stress and cervical cancer-specific mortality. One possibility is that women suffering from mental illness are less likely to seek treatment and may be diagnosed too late. From a biological perspective, previous research has shown that chronic stress decreases cellular immune responses, potentially affecting infection-related cancers such as cervical cancer. Dr. Lu's previous research confirmed the influence of psychological stress on the risk of developing cervical cancer through HPV infection.

Dr. Karin Sundström (Project Coordinator, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet) stated: In Sweden, psychological support is generally available at large-scale clinics rather than community clinics. However, insufficient awareness of psychological stress means many patients do not receive psychological support from large clinics.

Dr. Sundström said: Our research results help oncologists and gynecologists reassess not only the physical but also the mental status of patients and provide psychological support. If validated by other countries and groups, psychological screening and management may be considered as part of cervical cancer care.

Dr. Lu stated: This study demonstrates the association between stress and cervical cancer prognosis, not its causal relationship.

[Important Note] Medical Supporter's translations of overseas clinical trial data and pharmaceutical information are not intended to encourage participation in clinical trials or use of new drugs. The translated information is for reference only and not intended as medication guidelines. Please discuss with healthcare professionals and refer to the original text below the article for accurate information.

Source: https://www.aacr.org/Newsroom/Pages/News-Release-Detail.aspx?ItemID=1327

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