Abstract
Acute stress response is a physiological response to the onset of stress of homeostatic mechanisms. The transition to its chronic phase then enters due to the continuous or too intense perception of the threat.
The reaction denoted by mala-daptation is permanently activated, although it is not an asset but a burden for the organism. Through neurohumoral and immune-modulation mechanisms, stress, especially chronic one, increases perception of physical and mental exertion, such as feelings of isolation, lack of support, hopelessness and a feeling of dissatisfaction (typically, for example, in breast cancer patients).
The difficulty in finding a causal relationship in this context is the fact that epidemiological studies on chronic stress often do not meet the demanding requirements of evidence-based medicine. Various neurohumoral and immunodi-sruptive mechanisms, increased levels of chronic psychological distress, such as, feelings of isolation, lack of support, hopelessness and dissatisfaction trigger cellular events leading to increased cancer progression, metastasis and poorer survival for cancer patients.
Numerous studies, in particular on breast cancer patients, have showed these results. The results on cancer risk and stress levels are not still satisfactory and more and better designed epidemiological studies need to be undertaken to reach a more definite conclusion.
A deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in the carcinogene-sis process can help to develop individual strategies for early diagnosis and effective treatment based on the specific characteristics of the individual patient. The importance of early diagnosis of disease risk as well as positive responses to early treatment was proven.