Could you please clarify if stress and anxiety are physiologically the same in terms of negative impacts on the body's health.
Asked October 28, 2010
I read a newspaper article recently which suggested a link between stress and cancer. It suggested stress increases white blood cells. It also cited a study where animals given breast cancer tumours when under stress (confined situation) showed a huge increase in metastases. About three years ago while travelling I experienced a traumatic event that caused a couple of panic attacks. It was a health related concern (that specifically has been addressed). From this experience and losing a close family member, I have developed chronic anxiety related to my health. I don't feel as though I have any stress. My concern is that if prolonged stress can 'cause' cancer isn't anxiety much worse? Could you please clarify if stress and anxiety are physiologically the same in terms of negative impacts on the body's health. Can the process of increased white blood cells be reversed? Any words of reassurance are always welcome but I would like to clarify some facts. Thanks so much,Chris
Expert answer
Hi Chris, thanks for your question. Both are inter-related i.e. Stress leads to anxiety and anxiety can lead to stress. Anxiety is a mental state while stress is situational which can be physical, mental, psychosocial etc. Prolonged stress is never good as it leads to changes in the body that *may* lead to unhealthy habits and changes that lead to cancer - it is never definitive. Our bodies are able to handle stress; but if you smoke, drink, or dope up due to stress then there lies the problem. You don't see an overabundance of cancer in people who place themselves under tremendous physical or mental stress such as athletes, or concentration camp survivors. What you do see is cancer in people who use things like excessive alcohol and tobacco use to cope with stress. Look for my book soon on stress and cancer.
Take care,
Simeon Jaggernauth, DO.
www.DRJAG.com
Answered October 31, 2010
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