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Cancer and Psychology

The state of mental health in a person is intricately linked to their physical health, and manifestation of diseases such as cancer. Thoughts and emotions directly
translate into the physical workings of the body, and can result in effects on different molecules and cells throughout the body.

Evidence suggests that depression is linked to a lower concentration of oxygen in the blood. Hypoxia, or a state of reduced oxygen, is one of the predominant
factors and requirements for cancer cells to develop.

One of the key enzymes that is involved in many cancer processes is called cyclooxygenase (COX‐1 and COX‐2). The COX enzymes contribute to the inflammatory
process that is integral in the promotion of cancer. COX‐2 is activated by, amongst other things, the stress hormone called cortisol. In other words, chronic
activation of the stress pathways, which include cortisol, can chronically activate inflammatory mediators such as COX‐2, which contribute to the cancer‐forming
process.

The release of the stress hormones, which include Epinephrine (Adrenaline), Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) and cortisol, increase blood pressure, speed heart
rate, and raise blood sugar levels. Research is supportive of the fact that intense and long‐term (i.e. chronic) stress can result in digestive problems, fertility
problems, urinary problems, and a weakened immune system. The immune system is the primary defence against cancer, so when it is weakened, it cannot
perform its job properly, and as a result cancer can be allowed to develop.