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New Research: How Stress is a Breast Cancer “Fertilizer”

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September 21, 2010
	Jo Wehage : Head Operations Ego

New research may have uncovered the mechanism that links chronic stress to breast cancer progression. Even better, you can take advantage of the findings in about five minutes.

Researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered, through the use of animal models, that stress is biologically reprogramming the immune cells that are trying to fight the cancer, essentially transforming them from allies to enemies.

Scientists say that stress is essentially acting like a “fertilizer” of some kind, setting the stage for accelerated tumor progression and distant site metastasis.

The differences between the stressed and control mice were remarkable. The study found a 30-fold increase in cancer spread throughout the bodies of stressed mice.

It’s long been thought that stress fuels cancer growth in humans. This study provides a model that not only demonstrates that stress can speed up cancer progression, but also details the pathway used to change the biology of immune cells that inadvertently promote the spread of cancer to distant organs, where it is much harder to treat.

“What we showed for the first time is that chronic stress causes cancer cells to escape from the primary tumor and colonize distant organs,” said Erica Sloan, a Jonsson Cancer Center scientist and study author.

“We not only showed that this happens, but we showed how stress talks to the tumor and helps it to spread,” Sloan added.

Reprogramming Metastasis-Promoting Cells

In addition to documenting the effects of stress on cancer metastasis, the researchers were also able to block those effects by treating stressed animals with drugs that block the nervous system’s reprogramming of the metastasis-promoting immune cells, called macrophages.

This empowering new insight may help to motivate those of us who yawn at the blanket statement of doctors who tell us to eat right, exercise and reduce stress.

In the study, researches used drugs (beta blockers) to shut down the stress pathways. Fortunately, for those of us who are not lab mice, we have alternatives and choices for more proactive and more natural ways to reduce stress right now.

The Need for Immune-Building Sessions

Focusing on anti-stress is still highlighting stress, so take a new approach: what relaxes you? what makes you smile? what brings you massive joy?

This is unique to the individual, but two things to take into account. Is your first answer still true? And, do you actually do it?

The need for more peace and joy in our lives to positively impact our health is not a new concept, but many of us are good at the cerebral side of concepts and less so in the actual execution.

Whether it’s in a walk in nature, a run through the neighborhood, quiet time with a good book, yoga classes, a cup of tea, quality time with friends, napping with the dog it doesn’t matter – just do it, and do it with commitment.

Unwinding is something we tend to do “if” we find the time.

Put it on your schedule today and if, like many women, you have a hard time “relaxing” when there is still 832 tasks on your to-do list, don’t call it relaxing. Don’t call it anti-stress. Call it immune-building therapy sessions.

Your sanity and your immune cells will thank you for it.

References:  Sept. 15, 2010 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research. (ANI)