Surprising Study: Reducing Stress and Anxiety Can Prevent Cancer Spread

Medications for depression and inflammation might reduce the likelihood of cancerous metastasis spread following tumor removal, according to an initial clinical study conducted in Israel.

Findings published in a prestigious cancer research journal indicate that patients' psychological stress and anxiety might adversely affect their health and contribute to the development of cancerous metastases.

The research involved 38 breast cancer patients and 34 colon cancer patients treated at Sheba, Beilinson, and Kaplan hospitals. The researchers note that the findings likely apply to other types of cancer as well.

During the study, half of the patients received antidepressants five days before and after the tumor removal surgery. These included Deralin, an anxiety-reducing medication also used to lower blood pressure, and Etodolac, an anti-inflammatory and pain relief drug. The rest received placebo drugs, or dummy pills, containing no active ingredients.

The study results showed no signs of metastasis development in patients who took the real medications against anxiety, depression, and inflammation. In contrast, signs indicating potential metastasis development were found in those who took the placebo.

Prof. Shmuel Ben-Eliyahu, a lead researcher, explained, "When the body is in a state of physiological or psychological stress, large amounts of hormones that suppress immune cell activity are secreted, thereby indirectly promoting the development of cancerous metastases. These hormones also help cancerous cells that remain in the body post-surgery to create and develop life-threatening metastases."

The preliminary study results indicate that reactions of stress (stress) and inflammation developed by the body, even before surgery, likely lead to changes occurring in the tumor. It seems that anxiety and the responses accompanying it during the wait for surgery can adversely affect the tumor and the patient's physical parameters."

Since this is merely an initial study, the researchers advise cancer patients interested in using anxiety-reducing and anti-inflammatory medications to consult their treating physician and obtain their opinion on the matter. The conclusion from the study reaffirms how crucial calmness and tranquility are to maintaining health.