The role of psychological stress in cancer initiation: clinical relevance and potential molecular mechanisms

Marta Falcinelli, Premal H. Thaker, Susan K. Lutgendorf, Suzanne D. Conzen, Renée L. Flaherty, Melanie S. Flint

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

The hypothesis that the physiological response to psychological stress influences the initiation of cancer is highly controversial. The link between initiating stressors, the psychological stress response, and disease is plausible considering that the stress response is associated with defined physiological outcomes and molecular mechanisms. In light of this, we review the clinical relevance of psychological stress on the risk of cancer, and we propose potential molecular pathways that may link the stress response to early stages of malignant cell transformation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalCancer research
Volume81
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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