Social Isolation Adversely Affects Breast Cancer
TUESDAY, Sept. 29 (HealthDay News) -- A socially isolated, stressful environment can speed up the growth of breast cancer, researchers studying the effects of stress in animal models reported Tuesday.
Social isolation can actually change the expression of genes important in the growth of mammary gland tumors, according to Dr. Suzanne D. Conzen, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago and the study's lead author.
"As far as we know, this is the first assessment of gene expression in mammary glands, looking at the molecular basis for differences in tumor development under the setting of social stress," Conzen said at a news conference Tuesday.
The findings, published in the October issue of Cancer Prevention Research, follow other studies, some in humans, that showed stress can adversely impact cancer. One study, for instance, found that stressful marriages are bad for breast cancer recovery.
Conzen and her colleagues randomly assigned mice that were genetically susceptible to breast cancer to live either in isolation or in group housing.
"We separated the mice at a very young age, just a few days after they had been weaned from their mothers' milk," Conzen said. "Mice are social animals.
Add A New Comment
Add A New Comment3 Comments
I'm curious to know what others think about this study, which says isolation can affect levels of breast cancer in mice. Do you think this may mean that building a sense of community and avoiding isolation would be helpful to those with breast cancer? It sure has proven to be true with non-clinical matters - for example, unemployed people who develop social networks are happier and get back to work sooner than those who isolate themselves. Thoughts, anyone?
Pat, We are social animals. This site should encourage us to communicate with each other. It certainly can help with isolation with a degree of privacy. I am finding this site helpful with support. The comments that I receive are uplifting to me. It reinforces my positive thoughts.
Anne
Anne, I agree with you. I'm glad to know that you're finding the support from EmpowHer members to be helpful, and truly appreciate your comment. You uplifted my spirits! Many thanks.