Work stress causes breast cancer

Women who are stressed at work will significantly increase their risk of breast cancer. New research finds that women who work in highly demanding jobs are 30% more likely to get sick than those who are more leisurely.

There are more than 44,000 women found to be infected each year and 12,000 die. Although the survival rate has improved, the number of women suffering from the disease continues to increase for many years. The increase is thought to originate from lifestyle and environmental factors, including obesity, alcoholism, non-lactation, and a tendency to have a late childbirth.

Latest research focuses on stress life. Scientists have studied 36,000 Swedish women aged 30 to 50 working. Research began in 1990 and by 2004, 767 people had breast cancer.

The risk of disease increases by 30% in women with stressful jobs. There is no link between stress and cancer in women who work part-time.

According to lead researcher Hannah Kuper, at the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the cause may be due to stress that increases estrogen levels, increases the likelihood of breast cancer. Another theory is that stress changes women's behavior, making them unhealthy habits like smoking and less exercise. In addition, stress can weaken the immune system.

Other studies also found work stress will lead to premature menopause and in pregnant women increases the risk of miscarriage.