Colon Cancer Stress

Cancer is a disease that develops when the body fails to properly identify and handle cells that have become abnormal in type. Over time, these abnormal cells divide and "conquer," spreading throughout the body and causing the death of the organism. While a number of positive carcinogens have been identified--such as certain toxic chemicals, radiation and the like--other environmental factors may also play a role in cancer's development. Although tenuous, there appears to be some link between stress and colon cancer.

Colon Cancer and Stress

• Understand the link between stress and the possible development of colon cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to stress results in the body releasing hormones to help mobilize energy and prepare the body to deal with the "threat," whether actual or merely psychological in nature. These hormones can theoretically impair the process that allows the body to stop developing cancer cells, allowing cancer to slip under the proverbial radar during times of stress.

  When it comes to discussing stress and colon cancer, study results have shown a weak correlation between environmental stress and the development of cancer, but the studies are hardly conclusive. According to one study performed at the National Institute of Public Health in Denmark and published in the February 2008 Journal of International Medicine, there was a relatively low increased risk of colon cancer development among women, but results among men did not show a similar link. A paper published in the Medical Journal of Australia concluded that there likely are some psychological factors that result in the development of colon cancer, but the extent to which they contribute remains unclear.

Avoiding Stress

• Attempt to avoid stress whenever possible if you feel that you are at a high risk of developing colon cancer. Although the studies are not definitive, there is some link between stress and the development of colon cancer, so it is best to hedge your bets and minimize stress whenever possible. Tips for doing this include avoiding voluntary situations that you find stressful, removing annoyances and distractions from your life, and enrolling in targeted stress-relief activities such as meditation, tai chi and yoga. Even if none of these activities sounds appealing, participating in any athletic event is likely to help you find an outlet for work-related stress, helping you to cope and hopefully avoid the development of colon cancer.