Authors: Amrita Priyam
Abstract: Psychological stress is an unavoidable element of modern life and has been increasingly recognized as a significant biological factor influencing cancer development and progression. Stress hormones, especially glucocorticoids and catecholamine, are released through activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system. Under chronic stress, persistent elevation of these hormones can lead to dysregulation of immune function, increased inflammation, impaired DNA repair, and enhanced tumour cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Emerging research in psychoneuroimmunology demonstrates that stress-mediated signaling pathways promote survival of malignant cells and suppress anti-tumour immunity. Although evidence does not confirm stress as the sole cause of cancer, it significantly modifies tumour microenvironment and therapeutic outcomes. This review evaluates the molecular mechanisms through which stress hormones influence oncogenesis and tumour progression, highlights cancer types most affected by stress, and discusses clinical implications including therapeutic strategies targeting stress responses. Understanding these interactions may lead to integrative cancer care approaches that combine psychological therapy, pharmacological inhibitors, and lifestyle interventions to improve patient outcomes.
