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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Prolonged Stress And Anxiety Cause Cancer?

Very sorry to bother you.

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.



Wed, 14 Jan 2015
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Psychologist 's  Response
Dear
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns

I went through your details. I suggest you not to worry much. I can understand you. I too read that research report and article. But those reports clearly distances itself from that research. The research base used was not upto the standard and even research scientific community did not have any positive opinion about it. There are no solid proof about cancer caused by stress. But you should address your stress, reason, work / life balance etc. Exercise, yoga, meditationand psychotherapy shouldd be practiced along with medication for streamlining thinking process and life style. Cure is sure.

You need counseling and psychotherapy. I shall provide you with the required counseling and psychotherapy techniques online, to overcome these problems. Please describe the whole problem in detail and post a direct question to me.

Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
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Can Prolonged Stress And Anxiety Cause Cancer?

Dear Welcome to HCM We understand your concerns I went through your details. I suggest you not to worry much. I can understand you. I too read that research report and article. But those reports clearly distances itself from that research. The research base used was not upto the standard and even research scientific community did not have any positive opinion about it. There are no solid proof about cancer caused by stress. But you should address your stress, reason, work / life balance etc. Exercise, yoga, meditationand psychotherapy shouldd be practiced along with medication for streamlining thinking process and life style. Cure is sure. You need counseling and psychotherapy. I shall provide you with the required counseling and psychotherapy techniques online, to overcome these problems. Please describe the whole problem in detail and post a direct question to me. Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications. Good luck.