Work

Allostatic load and cancer risk, progression, and mortality in epidemiologic studies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The current body of evidence from both preclinical and epidemiologic studies suggests that cumulative stress may play a role in carcinogenesis; however, few studies on human populations have examined allostatic load (AL) as it relates to cancer risk, progression, and mortality. In this commentary, we discuss the use and value of AL as a measure to assess exposure to stress for cancer epidemiologic studies, describe the existing evidence between AL and sources of cancer-related environmental stressors, and summarize the existing epidemiologic studies on AL and cancer risk, progression, and mortality. We also outline several knowledge gaps and what steps should be considered to advance research on the role of AL and cancer risk, progression, and mortality in human populations.

Source: American Journal of Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaf038

Authors: Naoko Ishibe, Gary L Ellison, Divi Rao, Tram Kim Lam

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute, Department of Health and Human Services

Language: English

Topic: Cancer, Stress, Anesthesia, and Immune Response

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute