Cancer Risk and Emotional Health – A New View of Depression and Anxiety
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Depression and anxiety (excessive worry) have been suspected of affecting cancer development through changes in health-related behaviour or biological effects that promote cancer. However, a new meta-analysis found that depression and anxiety were not linked to higher risks for most types of cancer. The findings were published on 7 August 2023 in Cancer.
A meta-analysis is a comprehensive study combining the results of several independent studies on a particular subject and statistically analysing the combined findings. Meta-analysis results are the strongest scientific evidence.
The Relationship Between Depression, Anxiety and Cancer Risk
Lead author Lonneke A. van Tuijl and colleagues examined information from the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Norway and Canada on more than 300 thousand adults included in the international Psychosocial Factors and Cancer Incidence consortium. This large-scale study had follow-up of up to 26 years, found no association between depression or anxiety and the incidence of overall, breast, prostate, colorectal or alcohol-related cancers.
Incidence means the number of new disease cases arising in a particular group over a defined period. In other words, an incidence rate measures new cases over time and is usually expressed as the number of cases per 100,000 people.
Depression or anxiety was associated with a 6% increase in the risk of lung and smoking-related cancers. However, this risk fell substantially after accounting for other cancer-related risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index. This suggests that the effect on cancer risk may stem from unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Related topic: Cancer Causes Stress, but Stress Does Not Cause Cancer!
A New Perspective on Anxiety, Depression and Cancer
This analysis emphasises the importance of addressing tobacco use and other unhealthy behaviours that may develop with anxiety or depression. Dr van Tuijl said: “Our results may bring relief to many cancer patients who believe their diagnosis is attributable to previous anxiety or depression”, adding: “However, more research is needed to understand the full relationship between depression, anxiety, health behaviours and lung cancer.”
This important analysis questions the theory that depression and anxiety increase cancer risk. That may matter to both health professionals and the public, since many people living with these conditions worry about whether their cancer risk is increased. The study may ease those concerns while emphasising the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
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