Psychological Stress and Cellular Aging in Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background Epidemiological evidence continues to accumulate on the effect of psychosocial and behavioral factors in relation to cancer risk, progression, and mortality. Material and Methods This article presents the current evidence on the relationship between psychological stress and the risk of cancer and cellular aging process. Ten databases were searched to identify publications up to September 2019. References from retrieved articles were also reviewed. We included nine review papers and 26 cohort or case-control studies based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results Results of previously published review articles did not show consistent evidence for the association between cancer risk and psychological stress, while previous evidence is stronger regarding the role of chronic psychological stress on cancer growth and metastasis and aging. In seven observational studies, severe life events, anxiety, depression, insufficient social support perception, or avoiding coping strategy were significantly associated with breast cancer risk. For other specific types of cancer, 11 studies reported increased risk factors for stressful life events, and two others found increased mortality or a decline in treatment adherence. Conclusions Recent epidemiological evidence generally suggests psychosocial factors may be considered risk factors for specific types of cancer and play a key role in the cellular aging process. Understanding molecular mechanisms of the stress interaction is important in cancer management and prevention. The psychological stressors should be considered when developing or evaluating change in psychosocial practice.

Emergency stress management among nurses: A lesson from the COVID‐19 outbreak in China–a cross‐sectional study

“…Stress refers to the individual non‐specific response caused by stressors, including physiological response and psychological response (Kruk et al, 2019). Studies have shown that about 75%–90% of diseases are related to the activation of stress (Kruk et al, 2019; Tomiyama, 2019; Yaribeygi et al, 2017).…”

“…Stress refers to the individual non‐specific response caused by stressors, including physiological response and psychological response (Kruk et al, 2019). Studies have shown that about 75%–90% of diseases are related to the activation of stress (Kruk et al, 2019; Tomiyama, 2019; Yaribeygi et al, 2017). Specifically, stress is closely related to brain function damage including impairment of memory, cognition and learning (Lupien et al, 2009); affects immune system functions by regulating neuroendocrine system, and severe stress can result in malignancy via suppressing the immune system (Reiche et al, 2004); has a deleterious effect on cardiovascular system function including increasing the risk of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, coronary vasoconstriction, cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial infarction (Kario et al, 2003); and is associated with gastrointestinal complications by affecting appetite and normal function of gastrointestinal tract (Yaribeygi et al, 2017).…”

β-Adrenoceptor Activation in Breast MCF-10A Cells Induces a Pattern of Catecholamine Production Similar to that of Tumorigenic MCF-7 Cells

“…Exposure to major stressful events is associated with higher breast cancer risk [ 1 , 2 ] and with lower survival rates in patients with breast cancer [ 3 ]. The main stress response mechanisms are the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, with a consequent increase in plasmatic cortisol levels and the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).…”

Psychological nursing intervention reduces psychological distress in patients with thyroid cancer

“…More and more studies have emphasized the importance of psychological nursing intervention in reducing psychological distress in patients with cancer. [ 15 , 16 ] At the same time, the nurses should try to reduce any adverse stimulation, eliminate harmful psychological barriers, and analyze the emotional changes and thinking process of patients, encourage the patients to express their true feelings, so that they can express their negative emotions safely. [ 17 , 18 ] Our current work is the first clinical randomized controlled trial to explore the effect of psychological nursing intervention against quality of life and psychological distress of the thyroid cancer patients.…”