Stress is a normal part of life—whether from a tough work meeting, school exams, or supporting a loved one. While short-term stress is common, long-term, chronic stress can have serious health effects. Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy of the Center for New Medicine in Irvine, California, has observed a strong link between prolonged stress and cancer diagnoses during her 32 years of practice.

Rather than treating only the disease, Dr. Connealy focuses on the whole person. She notes that many patients experienced intense stress before developing cancer. This stress often stems from work pressures, emotional trauma, or major life changes.

Stress isn’t just emotional—it’s a biological process. It triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline via the HPA axis. When these hormones remain elevated over time, they can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation, reducing the body’s ability to fight abnormal cells and possibly increasing cancer risk.