CLAIM: Chronic stress can cause cancer

FACT: Misleading. No proven link exists between stress and cancer, though research is ongoing.

At around five minutes into a YouTube video posted by content creator Raj Shamani, Dr. Tarang Krishna, an oncologist, claims that long-term emotional stress can cause cancer. 

The video has amassed nearly two lakh views and over 600 comments.

“Constant irritation causes cancer. Anything which is constantly irritating—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually—if it is constantly irritating you, any body part, anything, it might lead to cancer,” Dr. Krishna says in the hour-long podcast. 

Dr. Krishna links chronic stress to rising cortisol levels, suggesting that a prolonged stressful environment could ultimately lead to cancer. “The worst stress environment for the body is finally cancer. So cancer is just a signal,” he says, implying that persistent emotional distress weakens the body’s resistance and could manifest as the disease.

What causes cancer?

Cancer is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of diseases, all of which can develop in different parts of the body. 

It is caused by genetic mutations that disrupt normal cell growth and division, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. These mutations can be triggered by a combination of factors, including lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition. 

Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity are well-established risk factors. Exposure to carcinogens such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and chemicals like asbestos can also increase the risk. Infections from viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B or C can contribute to certain types of cancer. Additionally, chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances may play a role. While stress can affect overall health, there is no scientific consensus that emotional stress directly causes cancer.

Can stress cause cancer?

Although chronic stress can lead to many health problems, its link to cancer is not clear. A case-control study conducted among Canadian men identified a link between workplace stress and an increased risk of prostate cancer, while another similar study found no such correlation.

One more study of over 100,000 UK women reported no association between the risk of breast cancer and perceived stress levels. Similarly, an analysis of 12 cohort studies conducted in Europe found no evidence of a connection between work-related stress and the risk of developing lung, colorectal, breast, or prostate cancer.

What the expert says?

Dr Chaitra Deshpande, a Radiation Oncologist at Onco Life Cancer Center in Satara, Maharashtra, told First Check that any link between stress and cancer was still a matter of investigation. 

“There is no established link at present between stress and cancer,” she said. “While ongoing research is exploring whether emotional or mental trauma could contribute to cancer development or progression, it has not yet been proved as a definitive cause.”

Dr Deshpande emphasized that a person's overall well-being plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases. “We should always strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing as it has a significant impact on most of the other chronic diseases.,” she said.

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