cancer cell representation.
Julie Hambleton
Julie Hambleton
February 9, 2024 ·  5 min read

How Do Our Emotions Effect Cancer Growth? 

We’ve all heard people talk about the power of positivity. With a positive attitude, you can achieve anything! Likely, when it comes to cancer, you’ve heard about people who “stayed positive” and went on to beat their cancer. Many people are quick to attribute their positive attitude to their positive outcome. Are our emotions and cancer actually connected, though? Do our emotions, positive or negative, actually impact whether or not we recover from cancer? Some studies suggest potentially yes, however, most oncologists agree that research is severely lacking. Let’s dive in.

Emotions and Cancer

The relationship between emotions and cancer has been a subject of much debate and speculation. Currently, there is no concrete evidence to support the notion that negative emotions or thoughts directly cause the development or growth of cancer. However, research has shown that stress, particularly chronic stress, can have a significant impact on our overall health. Let’s explore the role of emotions in cancer, explain why individuals should not blame themselves for their cancer diagnosis due to negative emotions, and discuss the importance of acknowledging and processing the heavy emotions that come with such a diagnosis.

The Impact of Stress on Health

Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, and the body’s stress response is a complex biological process that involves the release of hormones such as cortisol. While short-term or acute stress can be beneficial in certain situations, chronic stress, which occurs over an extended period, can have detrimental effects on our health. (1)

Chronic stress weakens the immune system, disrupts normal bodily functions, and contributes to inflammation, which is linked to various diseases, including cancer. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones may alter cellular processes and DNA repair mechanisms, potentially affecting the development and progression of cancer cells.

Read More: How to Eat to Reduce Cancer Risk

Cancer and Stress

Stress and chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health. Research has shown that stress hormones can alter cellular processes and DNA repair mechanisms, potentially affecting the development and progression of cancer cells. High levels of stress may also contribute to inflammation, which is linked to various diseases, including cancer. While stress management techniques and support systems are important for overall well-being, it is essential to recognize that emotional well-being is only one aspect of cancer prevention and treatment.

Negative Emotions and Cancer

It is a common misconception that negative emotions or thoughts can directly cause cancer. However, numerous studies have indicated that stress, anxiety, and chronic stress can impact our overall health and immune function. Prolonged stress weakens the immune system, making it less effective in identifying and defending against abnormal cell growth, including cancerous tumors. It is crucial to note, however, that stress should not be viewed as a sole causative factor in cancer development, as the disease is complex and multifactorial. (2)
Although negative emotions themselves may not directly cause cancer, the emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis should not be overlooked. Receiving a cancer diagnosis brings about a range of emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, and anxiety. It is important for individuals to understand that experiencing these emotions is a normal part of the process and does not in any way imply responsibility for causing their own cancer.

Acknowledging and managing these emotions is crucial for the overall well-being and mental health of cancer patients. Support from loved ones, counseling, and psychotherapy can provide a safe space for individuals to express and process their emotions, reducing the potential negative impact on their mental and physical health.

Read More: 10 Types of Cancer That Are Rising the Fastest

The Power of Positive Attitude

While it is important to address the emotional challenges that arise after a cancer diagnosis, some studies suggest that maintaining a positive attitude can have a positive impact on cancer outcomes. The exact mechanism through which a positive attitude may influence cancer progression is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that a positive outlook may contribute to stress reduction, better treatment adherence, and an enhanced immune response. (3)

“Several researchers,” says Prof. Asya Rolls of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. “including Prof. David Spiegel of the Stanford University School of Medicine [in California], have shown that an improvement in the patient’s emotional state may affect the course of the disease.” But, she also adds that “it was not clear how this happened.” (4)

It is crucial to note that the relationship between positive attitude and cancer outcomes is not yet definitive, and more research is needed to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship. It is essential to approach the idea of a positive attitude with sensitivity, ensuring that individuals do not feel pressured or burdened by the notion that their emotions alone can affect their cancer prognosis. It is also important to note that a positive attitude should be seen as a complementary aspect of comprehensive cancer care, alongside medical treatments, emotional support, and overall lifestyle choices.

Understanding the Emotional Journey

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an emotionally overwhelming experience. It is important for individuals to know that the emotions they experience in response to their diagnosis, such as fear, anger, sadness, and anxiety, are valid and understandable. These emotions are not the cause of their illness, but rather a natural response to a challenging situation. It is essential for cancer patients to acknowledge and process these emotions to promote mental well-being and overall quality of life.

The Bottom Line

While the connection between emotions and cancer is complex and still being researched, it is important for individuals with cancer to understand that negative emotions or thoughts do not directly cause their illness. Chronic stress, however, is known to have a detrimental impact on overall health and may indirectly affect cancer development and progression.

The emotional journey of a cancer diagnosis is undeniably challenging, and individuals should be encouraged to express and process their emotions without feeling guilt or blame. Support systems, counseling, and therapy play a vital role in helping patients navigate these emotions and promote overall well-being.

While maintaining a positive attitude has shown potential benefits in cancer outcomes, it is essential to approach this concept with caution and not place undue pressure on individuals to “think positively” as a way to cure their cancer. Further research is needed in this area to establish a clearer understanding of the impact of emotions and attitudes on cancer.

Read More: Another Reason to Love Your Dog – They Can Sniff Out Cancer!

Sources

  1. Stress and Cancer: An Overview.” Stanford Medicine. Mark J. Doolittle,  Ph.D.
  2. Effect of Attitudes and Feelings on Cancer.” Cancer
  3. Modulation of anti-tumor immunity by the brain’s reward system.” Nature.
  4. DR. ANTHONY M. CRINITI IV • NOV 21, 2020
  5. Tamar L Ben-Shaanan, Maya Schiller, Hilla Azulay-Debby, Ben Korin, Nadia Boshnak, Tamar Koren, Maria Krot, Jivan Shakya, Michal A. Rahat, Fahed Hakim and Asya Rolls. July 13, 2018.
  6. How emotions may impact tumor growth.” Medical News Today. Maria Cohut, Ph.D. July 17, 2018.