- Researchers found that 15 years of work stress was significantly linked to cancer
- But there was no association for those who quit their job before this time frame
- The 5 forms of the disease that were linked included stomach and lung cancer
Stephen Matthews For Mailonline
2
View
comments
If you’re working in a stressful job it’s not just your blood pressure at risk.
Your efforts to keep your boss happy may be pleasing them – but it leaves your body at risk of cancer, groundbreaking new research has found.
Working in a stressful job for 15 years increases the risk of five forms of the disease, scientists warn.
Job insecurity, high work load, time pressures should be considered a public health issue, experts now argue.
Groundbreaking new research has revealed that working in a stressful job for 15 years increases the risk of cancer
Although stress can cause a number of physical health problems previous research suggesting it can cause cancer is weak.
Some studies have indicated a link between various psychological factors and an increased risk of developing cancer, but others have not.
But to determine the link, researchers from Quebec University measured the prevalence of cancer in men with work-related stress.
However, high work load and time pressure weren’t the only two factors of stress mentioned by participants.
Girl, 4, born with no fingers or toes as a result of a rare…
Cancer could become untreatable because of superbugs, says…
Infertile woman, 34, gives birth to her son after undergoing…
Builders’ higher skin cancer risk: People who regularly work…
Job insecurity, financial problems and dealing with customers were also listed by some of the 3,103 adults who had been diagnosed with cancer.
Others included challenging or dangerous work conditions, employee supervision, interpersonal conflict and a difficult commute.
Subjects described in detail each job held during the lifetime – including the occurrence of stress and its cause.
Significant links to stomach, lung, colon, rectal cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were found, the study published in Preventative Medicine reports.
Significant links between stress and stomach, lung, colon, rectal cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were found by Canadian researchers (stock)
These were observed in men who had been exposed to just 15 years of work-related stress.
But the links were not found in those who had been under high levels of pressure for less than 15 years.
STRESSED? YOU MAY GET HEART DISEASE
A stressful life significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, evidence earlier this week suggested.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School directly linked anxiety and stress to cardiovascular disease for the first time – and discovered exactly why the two are linked.
Experts said the findings – the strongest yet to link mental wellbeing with physical health – suggest doctors should start treating people with chronic stress as being at risk of heart attacks.
The researchers believe people under stress may start smoking, overeating or drinking alcohol – known risk factors.
The most stressful jobs included firefighters, industrial engineers, mechanic foremen and vehicle and railway-equipment repair workers.
Study author Dr Blanc-Lapierre said: ‘The association between perceived workplace psychological stress – over the entire work career – and cancer among men has never been assessed.
‘Prolonged exposure to perceived stress at work was associated with greater odds of cancer at five out of eleven sites.
‘While over reporting of stress by cases cannot be fully ruled out, these associations, if substantiated, would bear important public health significance.’
But the researchers said the results don’t prove anything yet, and are based on a summary assessment of specific jobs.
They say further research is needed to create reliable stress measurements that take all sources into account.
Share or comment on this article
e-mail
Is this proof America is preparing for war with Russia? US…
EXCLUSIVE – ‘Please just let me speak to my daughter’:…
Deadly predator suddenly reveals itself right in front of a…
Mr Trump goes to Washington! The Donald flies in to DC on…
Marla Maples and Tiffany Trump ‘are trying to get their hair…
‘He looks like a soccer mom enjoying hunting season!’ NFL…
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Ascher’s brain looked like a computer’s…
Anti-Trump protester sets himself on fire outside The…
Idaho father, 30, loses seven teeth and is left with second…
Ariana Grande boldly declares herself the ‘hardest working…
Obama commutes Chelsea Manning’s 35-year sentence to let…
Elvis in disguise? Conspiracy fans claim the King is ALIVE…
Comments (2)
Share what you think
-
Newest -
Oldest -
Best rated -
Worst rated
The comments below have not been moderated.
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
Find out now