Stress and cancer
Explore the evidence on how stress is linked to your risk of cancer, and find out about the research we’re doing in this area.
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Psychological (mental) stress is a natural body reaction when you feel pressure, whether from work, relationships, illness, personal worries or sudden life events. It’s a normal part of life and can sometimes help you stay focused or alert. But too much stress over time (known as chronic stress) can make you feel overwhelmed and affect your physical and mental health.
Chronic stress has been linked to issues such as sleep problems, a weakened immune system and even anxiety or depression. Recognising the signs of stress can help you take steps to manage it effectively.
For more information on signs and symptoms of stress, visit the NHS website.
What’s the link between stress and cancer?
Research suggests there may be a link between psychological stress and cancer, including how often cancer develops (incidence) and survival rates (mortality). However, studies show mixed results, and there’s still limited evidence and understanding of how stress affects cancer development or recurrence.
Although the evidence linking stress to cancer is limited, many people believe that stress can cause cancer. Unlike smoking or living with overweight or obesity where the impact on cancer risk is well-established, the link between stress and cancer remains less certain.
What’s the science behind stress and cancer?
Research shows that psychological stress affects the body in many ways that could contribute to cancer risk. Stress can lead to an increase in hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body, which can affect the immune system and cause inflammation. High levels of chronic (long-term) inflammation are associated with conditions that help cancer cells grow and develop.
How we live may play a role too. Being stressed can lead to unhealthier habits such as eating a lot of unhealthier foods, drinking more alcohol or not doing enough physical activity, which may increase cancer risk directly and indirectly through weight gain.
Understanding how stress and cancer are linked is complex, but managing stress through making healthier choices and self-help techniques could help support your overall health and wellbeing.
Tips to manage stress
For more support on managing stress, visit the NHS website.
Practice mindfulness
Pause and focus on your breathing or try a meditation app. Even a few minutes can help you feel calmer. Yoga is another great option, combining gentle movement with mindfulness.
Prioritise good rest
Struggling to sleep? Put your phone or emails aside before bed, and try reading or writing down your thoughts instead. Soothing apps or calming sounds can also help.
Talk about it
Share your feelings with someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member or professional. Talking often brings relief.
Take small steps
Big tasks can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable tasks and plan ahead to stay in control.
Keep active
Move in a way that feels good – a walk, a dance or a workout – to boost your mood and energy.
Eat well
Nourish your body with a healthy, balanced diet full of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses. Enjoy treats occasionally but try to limit fast food and sugary snacks.
Avoid quick fixes
Turn up the music
Play your favourite song to lift your mood or create a calming atmosphere when needed.
Be kind to yourself
It’s OK to have off days. Give yourself time to rest and recharge.
Why is studying psychological stress challenging?
Understanding the link between stress and cancer is difficult for several reasons:
- Limited studies: research is limited, and existing studies are often small or too short to fully explore the impact on cancer risk.
- Stress is personal: stress affects everyone differently, with varied symptoms and severity. For some, it’s manageable; for others, it can feel debilitating or lead to mental health illnesses.
- Self-reporting challenges: studies often rely on self-reported stress, making it difficult to compare results consistently.
- Animal-based research: many studies focus on animals, which doesn’t always reflect how stress affects humans.
Our latest research
World Cancer Research Fund International’s INSPIRE Research Challenge focuses on bold, creative ideas that could lead to breakthroughs in cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship – including exploring novel topics such as stress and cancer.
Preventing cancer. Saving lives
While society continues to search for a cure, our prevention and survival work helps people to live longer, healthier lives – free from the devastating effects of cancer.