The link between stress and cancer is not clear. But new work from Wake Forest University now suggests that stress may be a risk factor for cancer of the womb (uterine cancer). The team worked with a group of menopausal monkeys, using their social structure as a model of human stress. Subordinate monkeys were under more stress and more likely to show adverse effects to the womb lining that could progress to cancer. Changes were seen in breast tissue too, but these were not as marked.
The researchers say that stressors like social isolation or hostile social experiences might be a risk factor for cancer in women. The project also looked at the impact of drinking two alcoholic beverages a day, and found that this did not increase the risk of either uterine or breast cancer. Further research is needed to see whether this research translates into human subjects. It is also not clear if the lack of risk with alcohol would also apply to pre-menopausal women.
source: newsfix
