Are psychological factors related to malignant tumors

psychological factors may be related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, but they are not direct pathogenic factors. Long term negative emotions may indirectly increase the risk of tumors by affecting immune function, endocrine system, and other pathways, while a positive psychological state can aid in disease recovery. Persistent psychological stress or depression may interfere with the body's immune surveillance function, reduce natural killer cell activity, and allow abnormal cells to evade immune clearance. In this state, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines may create conditions favorable for the formation of the tumor microenvironment. Chronic stress can also lead to sustained secretion of glucocorticoids, affecting the normal functioning of DNA repair mechanisms. Some studies have shown that abnormal telomerase activity in individuals with long-term anxiety may be associated with accelerated cellular aging. Extreme psychological trauma events may induce epigenetic changes through hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis disorders. Individuals with specific personality traits may experience lymphocyte function suppression for several months after experiencing major life events. Patients with certain rare genetic syndromes, such as Li Fomene syndrome, have a significantly higher incidence of tumors under psychological stress compared to the general population, but this condition accounts for a very low proportion in clinical practice.

It is recommended to maintain mental health through mindfulness training, psychological counseling, and other methods. Cancer patients can participate in professional psychological rehabilitation programs. When experiencing persistent emotional disorders, seek help from a psychiatric or psychological department, while maintaining regular physical examinations. Existing evidence suggests that psychological intervention can be used as an adjunct to comprehensive cancer treatment, but it must be accompanied by standardized medical measures.