Unclear
Stress causing cancer
psychological stress. Work & lifestyle.
- Verdict
- UnclearThere isn't enough human evidence to say either way.
- How sure
- Rung 2 · LimitedFew, small or conflicting human studies, or only indirect measures such as blood markers.
The rung shows how sure the science is, not how big the effect is. How to read these ratings
Cancers affected
None proven
What the evidence shows
The National Cancer Institute says a link is not clear. Any effect may be indirect, through smoking, drinking or inactivity. Lab studies suggest stress hormones may help tumors grow, but human evidence is weak.
What to do
Managing stress is worthwhile for its own sake; watch the habits stress can drive.
Sources
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Related
Every myth and exposure we rated, or follow one cancer step by step: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.