Stress And Isolation: New Triggers For Breast Cancer

Stress has a multi-fold effect on our lives- it not only weakens us socially, but also physiologically. It is a known fact that excessive stress or depression increases the likelihood of individuals to resort to unhealthy behaviours, like smoking, drinking and consuming unhealthy food. Physiologically, stressed individuals produce more of a hormone- corticosterone- which scientists believe triggers tumour growth.

In a study conducted by scientists at University of Chicago, they found that female rats that were genetically predisposed to breast cancer, when kept in solitude were three times more likely than others to go on to develop the cancer, with tumours that were larger and more dangerous. Overall, the solitary rats had 84 times more cancerous tissue. This study also revealed a longer presence of stress hormone corticosterone in the blood, like it would have in other stressful situations, like sensing a predator.

The results of the study published in a PNAS paper titled, “Social Isolation Dysregulates Endocrine and Behavioural Stress While Increasing Malignant Burden of Spontaneous Mammary Tumours”, is part of a series of publications by University of Chicago researchers exploring the connection between social isolation and breast cancer biology. During their study of the impact of stress on breast biology, they found that many women living in high-crime neighbourhoods deal with a variety of stressors, including social isolation, predisposing them to breast cancer.

Rats provide an excellent model for studying human health. They are gregarious animals that are constantly interacting, with complex social relationships and shared care for their young. “This study offers insight into how the social world gets under the skin,” said Gretchen Hermes, who led the study.

Although not entirely conclusive, this research offers a sound platform to further investigate the true impact of stress on developing breast cancer in humans. Researcher Professor Martha McClintock said: ‘We need to use these findings to identify potential targets for interventions to reduce cancer and its psychological and social risk factors.’

Article by Snigdha Taduri for Biomed-ME