Site Logo Site Logo
Donate HOPE Kits
  • About Breast Cancer
  • Find Support
  • Get Involved
  • More
    • Our Impact
    • About NBCF
    • Free Resources
    • NBCF Blog
    • Mammogram Pledge
    • Wall of Support
    • In The News
    • Recursos en Español
    • Contact Us
Search Icon Search Icon
Site Logo
  • About Breast Cancer
  • Find Support
  • Get Involved
  • More
    • Our Impact
    • About NBCF
    • Free Resources
    • NBCF Blog
    • Mammogram Pledge
    • Wall of Support
    • In The News
    • Recursos en Español
    • Contact Us
Donate HOPE Kits

About Breast Cancer > FAQs > What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?

  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • What Is Cancer?
    • Causes of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Facts & Stats
    • Breast Tumors
    • Breast Anatomy
    • Male Breast Cancer
    • Growth of Cancer
    • Risk Factors
    • Breast Cancer Genetics
      • Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
      • Other Breast Cancer Genes
      • BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene
      • What To Do If You Tested Positive
  • Early Detection
    • Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
    • Breast Lump
    • Breast Pain
    • Breast Cyst
    • Breast Self-Exam
    • Clinical Breast Exam
    • Mammogram
    • How to Schedule a Mammogram
    • Healthy Habits
  • Diagnosis
    • Breast Cancer Screening
    • Diagnostic Mammogram
    • Ultrasound
    • MRI
    • Breast Biopsy
    • Lab Tests
    • Waiting For Results
  • Stages
    • Breast Cancer Stages
    • Stages 0 & 1
    • Stage 2 (II) And Stage 2A (IIA)
    • Stage 3 (III) A, B, And C
    • Stage 4 (IV) Breast Cancer
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
    • Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
    • Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
    • Triple Negative Breast Cancer
    • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
    • Other Types
  • Treatment
    • Choosing Your Doctor
    • Surgery
      • Lumpectomy
      • Mastectomy
      • Lymph Node Removal & Lymphedema
      • Breast Reconstruction
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer Trial Search
    • Standard Treatment vs. Clinical Trials
    • Physical Activity, Wellness & Nutrition
    • Bone Health Guide for Breast Cancer Survivors
    • Follow-Up Care
  • Breast Cancer Myths
    • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
    • Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
    • Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it
    • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
    • Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
    • Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
    • Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts
    • Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women
    • Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer
    • Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer
    • Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: All breast cancers are the same
    • Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer?
    • Does smoking cause breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer?
    • How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)?
    • Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk?
    • Are mammograms painful?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks?
    • How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?
    • What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What celebrities have or have had breast cancer?
    • Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
    • Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is dairy (milk) linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
  • Free Educational Guides
    • NEW! Most Asked Questions: Breast Cancer Signs & Symptoms
    • NEW! Cancer Caregiver Guide
    • Breast Cancer Surgery eBook
    • 10 Prompts to Mindfulness
    • How to Talk About Breast Health
    • Family Medical History Checklist
    • Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients eBook
    • eBook Quiz
    • Chemo Messages
    • Most Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Recurrence
    • Breast Problems That Arent Breast Cancer eBook
    • Nutrition Care for Breast Cancer Patients eBook
    • Finding Hope that Heals eBook
    • Dense Breasts Q&A Guide
    • Breast Cancer Recurrence eBook
    • What to Say to a Cancer Patient eBook
    • Weekly Healthy Living Tips
    • Bra Fit Guide
    • Know the Symptoms Guide
    • Breast Health Guide
    • Mammogram 101 eBook
    • 3 Steps to Early Detection Guide
    • Abnormal Mammogram eBook
    • Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide
    • What Every Woman Needs to Know eBook
  • Breast Cancer Resources

What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?

Research studies have shown that factors such as traumatic events and losses can alter immune system functions, and when immune functions are altered cancer cells may have an opportunity to get themselves established within one’s body. What has been shown is that it is not the fact that a major life crisis has occurred but instead how the individual reacted to this event and coped (or didn’t cope). Therefore, identifying ways to keep your stress level in check is wise.

Medically reviewed June 2023


Related reading:

  • Is dairy (milk) linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
  • Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
  • Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
  • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
  • Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer?
What celebrities have…
How often should…
National Breast Cancer Foundation Logo
Join the Cause:

ABOUT BREAST CANCER
  • What Is Breast Cancer?
  • Early Detection
  • Diagnosis
  • Stages
  • Types of Breast Cancer
  • Treatment
  • Breast Cancer Myths
  • Breast Cancer FAQs
  • Free Educational Guides
  • Breast Cancer Resources
FIND SUPPORT
  • National Mammography Program
  • Patient Navigator Program
  • HOPE Kit
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreats
  • Breast Cancer Support Group
  • Breast Health Education
  • Breast Cancer Awareness in the Workplace
  • Breast Cancer Research
  • Wall of Support
GET INVOLVED
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • Give
  • Fundraise
  • Corporate Partnership
  • Charitable Partner Learning Center
  • Game Pink
  • NBCF Shop
  • Volunteer
  • Manage My Donation
ABOUT NBCF
  • The NBCF Story
  • Our Impact
  • Our Founder
  • Our Corporate Partners
  • People
  • Careers
  • Financial Reports
  • Contact Us
  • Media Inquiries
  • Sitemap
Charity Navigator Four Star v01 white
Great-Nonprofits-badge-White-2022-v01
Guidestar 2023 white
Instagram social link Facebook social link YouTube social link Twitter social link LinkedIn social link
PO Box 676910, Dallas, TX 75267-6910
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Trademark Licensing
  • Contact Us
©2022 National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. All rights reserved. Site by GLIDE.