Stress Exposure in Significant Relationships Is Associated with Lymph Node Status in Breast Cancer

Abstract

ObjectiveLife stress exposure may impact on health and disease. Previous literature showed that stressful life events are associated with cancer incidence, survival and mortality. In animal models, patterns of maternal care have been shown to critically affect stress sensitivity and immunity trajectories later in life, by modifying DNA methylation during critical periods early in life. However, the role of parental care in breast cancer progression and survival has only limitedly been explored. Here, we investigated whether these factors may be linked to biological prognostic variables.MethodsOne hundred twenty-three women hospitalized for surgery of primary breast cancer completed a questionnaire assessing parental bonding. Stressful events throughout the life span were also assessed.ResultsWe found that the absence of optimal parental relationships is significantly associated with an increased risk of lymph node involvement, adjusting for confounders, while cumulative stress in the area of sentimental relationships is borderline significantly associated with the same prognostic factor.ConclusionsOur results suggest that parental bonding and sentimental relations may have a role in breast cancer progression. These variables represent an important evolutionary aspect which may modulate cancer progression through psycho-physiological stress pathways and influence the immune system.

Psychiatric, behavioral, and cognitive disorders in patients with extracranial cancers

“…[130][131][132] When a potentially risky event is perceived by the subject as overwhelming the available resources (such as coping strategies and social support), the nervous system activates pathways that release catecholamines, corticosteroids, and opioids. 133 Because the receptors for these chemical signals (neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, neurohormones, and adrenal hormones) are also located on lymphocytes and macrophages, the release of these cerebral messengers can influence immune and endocrine functionality (see Figure 3) in vivo and in vitro. 134 Through these mechanisms the brain exerts an immunoregulatory role in oncologic diseases.…”

“…Depressive symptoms and psychosocial stressors can be considered risk factors for cancer incidence and mortality by affecting several neuroimmunological and neuroendocrinological biochemical pathways 130 132 When a potentially risky event is perceived by the subject as overwhelming the available resources (such as coping strategies and social support), the nervous system activates pathways that release catecholamines, corticosteroids, and opioids 133 . Because the receptors for these chemical signals (neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, neurohormones, and adrenal hormones) are also located on lymphocytes and macrophages, the release of these cerebral messengers can influence immune and endocrine functionality (see Figure 3) in vivo and in vitro.…”

Depression, Anxiety, and Social Environmental Adversity as Potential Modulators of the Immune Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer Patients

“…Various studies linked chronic stress, exposure to stressful events, and inflammation markers among breast cancer (BC) patients [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. For example, a longitudinal pilot study found that participants with BC (n = 20) exposed to childhood trauma had significant depressive symptomatology and fatigue levels.…”

“…A longitudinal study revealed that a lack of social support (a form of social isolation) predicted higher IL-6 levels and depressive symptoms among BC survivors [ 29 ]. Furthermore, early relational stress exposure (represented by non-optimal parental bonding, such as rejection and neglect) was significantly associated with a positive lymph node status in a group of BC patients scheduled for surgery [ 30 ].…”

Análise cienciométrica sobre a relação da vivência de eventos de vida produtores de estresse e desenvolvimento de câncer

“…6,7 A secreção crônica de cortisol, em resposta a eventos estressores, tem sido associada com o desenvolvimento de patologias diversas como: doença cardíaca coronoriana, 4 osteoporose, 8 úlcera de membros inferiores 9 e recentemente há um crescente número de estudos que apontam uma correlação positiva entre aumentos crônicos dos níveis plasmáticos de cortisol induzido por estresse e desenvolvimento de neoplasias. [10][11][12][13] Tentativas de associar a etiologia das neoplasias malignas com os eventos estressantes diários datam desde a Grécia antiga, onde Galeno sugeria que mulheres melancólicas e depressivas eram mais propensas a desenvolver o câncer do que aquelas com um alto astral. 6 Embora até então muitos estudos tenham sido realizados neste âmbito, ainda não há um consenso quanto à influência dos eventos estressores diários no desenvolvimento de neoplasias.…”