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Does the Mind Affect Cancer Risk?

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Social Dilemmas in Cancer Prevention

Abstract

There is a widespread belief among the public, sustained by popular journalism that a positive mental attitude may help to prevent cancer or control it. Conversely, that stress or a negative, depressed outlook can increase susceptibility to cancer or stimulate its growth. In the medical literature a few scientific reviews have critically examined the evidence for a role of mental or emotional factors in the development and growth of cancer. Reading of these suggests that the ability of positive thinking or will power to override the natural course of advancing cancer has not been confirmed scientifically. However, it is likely that a person’s temperament may be one of multiple factors which can increase susceptibility to cancer.

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Authors
  1. Basil A. Stoll
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oncology Departments, St Thomas’ Hospital and Royal Free Hospital, London, UK

    Basil A. Stoll FRCR, FFR (Honorary Consulting Physician) (Honorary Consulting Physician)

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© 1989 The Editor and the Contributors

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Stoll, B.A. (1989). Does the Mind Affect Cancer Risk?. In: Stoll, B.A. (eds) Social Dilemmas in Cancer Prevention. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-10708-7_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-10708-7_10

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-349-10710-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-349-10708-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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