Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Oct 20: Stress is an inevitable part of modern life, often blamed for various health problems. But can it actually lead to cancer? Dr Saadvik Raghuram, oncologist at Arete Hospitals, Hyderabad, addressed this common concern in his October 19 Instagram post, clarifying what science really says about the link between stress and cancer.

“Constantly stressed — does that mean you’re at an increased risk of cancer? Let’s separate fear from facts,” says Dr Raghuram. He explains that while laboratory and animal studies have shown stress hormones can promote cancer growth, the evidence in humans is not as clear. “Stress can modulate your immunity, increase inflammation, and even impair DNA repair mechanisms,” he notes, describing how stress may theoretically influence cancer development.

However, he points out that human studies have produced mixed results. “Some suggest that chronic stress might raise the risk of certain cancers, while others show no significant connection at all,” Dr Raghuram says.

He emphasises that the human body is far more complex than laboratory conditions. “While managing stress is vital for overall well-being, the evidence linking stress directly to cancer in humans is not definitive,” he remarks.

Dr Raghuram advises people to focus on a balanced lifestyle, regular health check-ups, and mental wellness. “Understanding stress, its effects, and learning to cope effectively can improve quality of life, even if its direct link to cancer isn’t fully proven,” he concludes.