Loneliness and social isolation have been long considered as emotional or psychological problems.

However, in recent years, scientific studies have confirmed that chronic loneliness and social isolation can have negative effects on one’s physical health, including inducing cancer.

Social isolation is defined as the lack of contact or interaction with others, such as not having a network of friends, family or colleagues.

It can be a voluntary or forced situation, which can be triggered by major life events such as a disease, disability, or bereavement. Social isolation can also be caused by environmental factors such as being imprisoned, living in a rural area with low connection, or a lack of transport.

Most people think that cancer is caused by external factors such as mutations or environmental exposures. However, in recent years, research showed that social factors, such as loneliness and social isolation, can also contribute to cancer development.

According to a study published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, social isolation was associated with a greater risk of overall cancer incidence, especially colon, head, and neck cancers among women.

The impact of chronic loneliness on the immune system

Despite disbelief, loneliness can trigger physical and hormonal responses in the body that can compromise one’s immune system and increase the risk of cancer.

Chronic loneliness can trigger the same response as chronic stress, leading to a sustained rise in cortisol and an increase in inflammation.

Research shows that chronic inflammation can harm the DNA synthesis, leading to cancer. It also compromises the control of the immune system on the normal cells, leading to immune cells attacking normal white blood cells, ultimately leading to cancer.

In essence, when a person is chronically lonely, they generate the same responses the body would when it is fight stress, and these responses could ultimately produce the grounds for cancer to develop.

Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for cancer, and people who live alone are more prone to smoking.

A recent study by the Journal of Community Health revealed individuals who live alone are two times more likely to smoke than those living with others. Living alone is also linked to higher alcohol intake and a poor diet, all risk factors for cancer development.

Social support can help in cancer prevention

The good news is that social support and engagement can prevent chronic stress, inflammation, and immune reactions linked to cancer development.

Researchers believe that being part of social communities that provide comfort, friendship, and brainstorming of problems can undercut the harmful effects of loneliness.

Joining social circles such as religious groups or volunteering can cut the effects of stress responses on the body, leading to a healthier immune system, lower inflammation and less DNA damage.

It is essential to building social support to cut the risk of cancer development, especially if you live alone or have a history of cancer in the family.

Conclusion

Loneliness and social isolation can have profound effects on the body, including increasing the risk of cancer development.

It is not enough only to focus on physical health when considering cancer prevention but also to focus on social connections and emotional health. Fostering social connectedness through various activities such as joining social communities and volunteering can minimize the harmful effects of social isolation.