Cancer Support - Causes and Risk Factors: Stress and Sleep Flashcards
(9 cards)
How does stress influence cancer risk?
Stress activates the HPA axis and increases stress hormones, leading to DNA damage, inflammation, and immune suppression.
What is the impact of stress on the immune system in cancer?
Stress weakens immune surveillance, promoting invasion, metastasis, and reducing treatment efficacy.
How does stress affect tumour growth?
Through sympathetic nervous system signals that disrupt stem cells and promote tumour growth.
What is the role of p53 in cancer?
p53 is a tumour suppressor gene that is degraded under chronic stress, reducing apoptosis and repair.
How does disrupted sleep affect cancer risk?
It disrupts circadian rhythms and reduces melatonin, a key antioxidant and immune modulator.
Why is melatonin important in cancer prevention?
It enhances cytotoxic lymphocyte and T-cell activity and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
How is night shift work classified in relation to cancer?
Classified as ‘probably carcinogenic’ by the IARC due to circadian disruption.
What is the nocebo effect in cancer?
Negative expectations or fear of diagnosis can cause harm or even death, even if the diagnosis is incorrect.
In what two ways is the nocebo effect discussed in conventional medicine?
- Side effects of cancer therapies. 2. Negative expectations due to unfiltered information.
