Mental health issues have always been a serious concern for individuals. Anxiety, in particular, is an emotional disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

Research suggests that anxiety can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Recently, a new study has revealed that anxiety in men can also increase the risk of dying from cancer.

Getting to Know Anxiety

Anxiety is a condition characterized by continuous feelings of worry and fear. It is a normal response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

Anxiety disorders affect women more than men, but that does not mean men are not susceptible to the condition. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 6 million men in the US experience anxiety every year.

The Study

The study conducted by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology tracked more than 15,000 patients with cancer for an average of 15 years. The research discovered that anxiety in men doubles the risk of dying from cancer.

The findings of the study showed that men who had anxiety at the time of their cancer diagnosis had a 2.2 times higher risk of dying from different types of cancer compared to those without anxiety.

The study’s lead author, Dr. David Batty, stated that the link between anxiety and cancer is due to the stress hormone cortisol.

He stated that people with anxiety tend to have higher cortisol levels, which can affect bodily functions and increase the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer. Additionally, people with anxiety might also be more likely to lead unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking and unhealthy eating habits, which also increase cancer risk factors.

Why Does the Risk Appear in Men?

While the study found a significant link between anxiety and cancer death risk only in men, the authors could not offer a reason behind it.

However, they speculated that the male-only link could be due to men being more reluctant to seek help for mental health issues. Research shows that men are less likely to seek mental health care and less likely to talk about their mental health than women.

Reducing Cancer Risk

The study’s findings suggest that managing anxiety in men can help reduce cancer death rates. The best way to reduce anxiety conditions is through therapy or medications.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for managing anxiety disorders. In CBT, a trained mental health professional counsels individuals with anxiety to identify their fears and triggers and develop strategies to manage them. For medication options, individuals can consult their healthcare provider.

It is also suggested that men can take active steps to reduce their cancer risk. Simple lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting regular health checkups can make a big difference in cancer prevention.

Additionally, reducing or quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also reduce cancer risk.

Conclusion

The study conducted by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology reveals a troubling link between anxiety in men and the risk of dying from cancer.

Though it is unclear why only men were at risk, the study found that individuals with anxiety tend to have higher cortisol levels, which can increase the risk of chronic illnesses. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of managing anxiety to reduce cancer-related deaths in men.