Emotional stress in the aetiology of cancer

Summary

1 This paper is based on a study of sixteen patients suffering from various forms of cancer. These patients were found in general practice.

2 In these patients the malignant disease was found in breasts, stomach, colon, rectum, uterus, larynx and lungs.

3 It was found that these sixteen patients had histories of both somatic and psychological illnesses for varying periods before the presence of cancer was detected. None had a clean bill of health before the onset of cancer.

4 A study and assessment of the personalities of the patients were made. These referred to the periods before and during the development of cancer.

5 The presence of psychological symptoms resulting from emotional stress previous to the development of cancer was noted in all cases.

6 It was noted that in many patients, the symptoms of cancer developed gradually and were aggravated during periods of severe emotional distress.

7 The psychological stress produced symptoms predominantly related to fear, anxiety, apprehension, grief and depression, anger and resentment.

8 The hypothesis that, from a study of these sixteen patients, cancer may have the characteristics of a psychosomatic disease, was explored.

9 It would appear from the evidence of these cases that a more detailed scientific study of cancer cases would be profitable, to asses with greater precision the hypothesis that unpleasant emotional stress plays a part in the aetiology of at least some forms of cancer.