# How is stress related to cancer? There is evidence to suggest that chronic stress may contribute to the development of certain types of cancer, although the exact relationship is not fully understood. Stress affects the body in many ways, including the immune system, hormone levels, and inflammation. Chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk in conditions that can themselves increase the risk of cancer, such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, stress can cause people to engage in unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking or overeating, which also increase the risk of cancer. # Matt's notes on stress: Managing stress plays a critical role in cancer recovery, and even in its formation in the first place. Understanding your own personal relationship with stress is important, and then finding ways to reduce that stress to healthy levels. I'll have more to come on this shortly...