Research on the impact of loneliness on mortality has found that cancer patients who feel lonely may be at a greater risk of death. These reasons are related not only to the consequences of cancer but also to others. This is reported by UNN with reference to BMJ Oncology and Euronews.
Details
According to a study by Canadian specialists, published in the medical journal BMJ Oncology, loneliness or social isolation is associated with a 34% increased risk of death overall. As for the probability of death from cancer, there is an 11% increase.
The researchers noted that loneliness can trigger a stress response. Its consequences harm the immune system and cause inflammation, which in turn worsens the condition of a cancer patient.
Reference
A group of researchers from Canada analyzed data from 16 previously published studies covering over 1.6 million people with cancer in Canada, England, Finland, France, Ireland, Japan, and the USA.
These results suggest that loneliness and social isolation may influence outcomes beyond traditional biological and treatment-related factors
Addition
The analysis has some limitations, as the studies used different methods and examined different outcomes. Thus, it should be considered that the results could also have been influenced by various factors that were not studied.
At the same time, the results of this study add to the growing evidence that loneliness and social isolation can harm people's health.
Loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression, and anxiety disorders, as well as suicidal behavior.
Recall
Scientists from Bielefeld University and Communications Psychology found that low self-esteem is associated with repetitive negative thoughts that contribute to burnout.
A new study of 100,000 people from seven countries found a link between loneliness and depression.
World Breast Cancer Awareness Day is celebrated on October 15.
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