Chronic psychosocial stress: a role in breast cancer etiology? - Summary - MDSpire

Chronic psychosocial stress: a role in breast cancer etiology?

  • By

  • Roar Fosse

  • Cathrine Behr

  • May 14, 2026

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Objective:

To review epidemiological and preclinical studies on the role of chronic psychosocial stress in breast cancer development and metastasis, highlighting discrepancies between findings.

Key Findings:
  • 25 out of 29 rodent studies indicated that chronic psychosocial stress increased mammary tumorigenesis and/or metastasis.
  • Epidemiological studies primarily focused on short-lasting adverse life events with no consistent associations with breast cancer, indicating a gap in addressing chronic stress.
  • Chronic psychosocial stress has been inadequately addressed in epidemiological research, limiting understanding of its potential impact.
Interpretation:

Chronic psychosocial stress may be a significant factor in breast cancer development, as evidenced by preclinical studies, while epidemiological studies have largely overlooked this aspect, suggesting a need for further investigation.

Limitations:
  • Epidemiological studies have not systematically addressed chronic psychosocial stress, which may skew results.
  • Most studies focused on acute stress rather than chronic stressors, limiting the understanding of long-term effects.
Conclusion:

Future epidemiological studies should prioritize chronic psychosocial stress, incorporating a life-course perspective, subjective appraisals of distress, and methodologies that account for both chronic and acute stress.

Original Source(s)

Chronic psychosocial stress: a role in breast cancer etiology?

  • by Roar Fosse, Cathrine Behr

  • May 14, 2026

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