Why are cancer rates increasing in women? Could stress be to blame?

Following from an article published in The Conversation last week (here), I felt I had some thoughts to add to this. In the past, it has generally been the case that cancer rates in men have been higher than those in women. However, although this is still the case, reports have recently suggested that the rate of cancer in females may increase as much as six times quicker than those seen in men in the UK. But why is this? What is causing this seemingly sudden rapid increase?

Although many cancers are highly dependant on genetic inheritance, the majority of cancers arise as a result of accumulative genetic mutations arising from lifestyle choices and factors, which can actually be prevented according to Cancer Research UK. Some of these factors are obvious – smoking dramatically increases the risk of lung cancer, for example. But others factors are often ignored – namely diet, but also alcohol consumption and in my opinion, stress.

Obesity levels appear to be rising in women and there are very strong links between female cancers like breast and womb cancer and obesity, especially post-menopausal women. This goes hand in hand with alcohol consumption, another factor that appears to be rising in women. Despite women having a lower recommended intake of weekly units than men, studies have shown that women are now drinking almost as much as men.

However, the factor I feel needs greater attention is stress. This often is ignored, as it is a mental factor, is difficult to measure, and is subjective from person to person. Stress can majorly affect the development or recovery from many health concerns (disclaimer: this is not saying that stress is the single cause of a problem). And, stress is especially becoming a greater concern for many women now juggling children, caring for elderly relatives, pursuing high-powered careers, or even all of these things simultaneously. Stress goes on to affect sleep patterns and disturbances, which then have detrimental effects on the normal function of the brain and body. Not only is this the case, but if stress management is non-existent, this in turn means that one may neglect their diet, opting for convenience foods only, not making time for exercise, or drinking more than they normally would.

Although there is no certain or confirmed research/evidence supporting the notion that stress can cause cancer, I feel it really plays a part in the health of a person, especially a female. On a biological level, stress can change hormone levels in the body, alter immune functions, and lead to changes in DNA or chromosomal damages.