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The doctor announced the possibility of cancer due to stress

Oncologist Chernaya: chronic stress can contribute to the development of tumors
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Photo: TASS/Kotenev Sergey/Created by AI
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Chronic stress can contribute to the development of malignant tumors. With constant overexertion, the immune system, responsible for destroying cancer cells, is disrupted. In addition, due to stress, an inflammatory process can begin in the body. Margarita Chernaya, an oncologist and an expert at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia about this.

"The human body is programmed for stress, which is its way of responding to life's challenges, whether it's physical exertion or emotional distress. In moderate doses, stress even serves us well, activating hidden reserves and increasing our ability to adapt to changing conditions," the doctor shared.

But when anxiety becomes a chronic companion of life, it turns from an ally into an enemy, undermining health.

Chernaya explained that with anxiety, cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine are released into the bloodstream — these hormones cause a number of physiological changes: the heartbeat and breathing become faster, blood pressure becomes higher, and more blood begins to flow to the muscles. If the stress is short-term, then the body quickly returns to normal. However, under chronic stress, these hormones continue to circulate in the blood, leading to malfunctions of internal organs and systems.

"Despite the fact that many people believe in a direct link between stress and cancer, scientific evidence on this issue is mixed. Most studies do not confirm that nervous shock is the direct cause of cancer," the oncologist said.

According to her, the disease occurs when genes break down and healthy cells transform into malignant ones — they begin to divide non-stop, gain protection from the immune system and become practically immortal.

However, the expert clarified: scientists have found that chronic stress still contributes to the development of malignant tumors. Firstly, with constant anxiety, the immune system, responsible for destroying cancer cells, is disrupted. Secondly, if you are often nervous, an inflammatory process can begin in the body, and this is one of the risk factors for cancer. Thirdly, due to constant stress, people may not pay attention to the alarming symptoms indicating the development of cancer, and it is too late to consult a doctor.

"Finally, some scientific papers confirm that stress can promote the growth and development of tumors and, at the same time, reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy and other treatment methods," Chernaya noted.

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that can be related to genetic characteristics, lifestyle, and related diseases. Frequent experiences are more correctly called one of the factors of tumor development, but not its immediate cause, the specialist added.

She recommended giving up bad habits, monitoring your health, and taking screening tests to minimize your risk of developing cancer. You should also listen to your well—being and consult a doctor if you feel unwell. A specialist will help you determine its causes and develop monitoring or treatment tactics.

Earlier, on April 16, SM-Clinic oncologist Vadim Maklakov told Izvestia about which people are more susceptible to melanoma than others. According to him, red-haired people have an almost four times higher risk of developing melanoma than dark-haired people. In addition, a tumor is detected in thousands of patients every year, especially among those who abuse sunbathing or frequent tanning salons.

Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»

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