| For the women diagnosed with breast cancer | | | | Another possible hormonal link involving estrogen, |
| resulting depression is easy to understand. Breast | | | | progesterone, and testosterone as women with |
| cancer is a very scary and life altering event. It | | | | depression can also have imbalances with these |
| would be surprising if some depression didn't | | | | hormones. Women with severe depression have |
| occur. But the thought of depression being a | | | | unbalanced levels of these hormones. |
| possible cause of breast cancer seems out of the | | | | Still another theory involves medication prescribed |
| question. The findings may surprise you. | | | | for depression. They seem to think there's the |
| Some studies and research have been done to | | | | possibility of breast cancer being caused by |
| indicate a link between depression and breast | | | | immune system suppression caused by increased |
| cancer. Some of the medical community agrees | | | | stress hormones and certain antidepressants as |
| with the results indicating that there is in fact a | | | | tumor promoters. |
| link between depression and breast cancer. Still | | | | While there have been no final and conclusive |
| others feel there should be more studies | | | | decisions made about the possible link between |
| performed to completely prove the link. | | | | depression and breast cancer there are enough |
| Some reports indicate that women suffering from | | | | statistics pointing to this link that further studies |
| depression are two to four times as likely to | | | | are well warranted. |
| develop breast cancer as those with no | | | | Is there any way for a woman with depression |
| depression. No such link exists between other | | | | to prevent this possible link form occurring? |
| types of cancer. | | | | At this point there are no strong |
| Possible Causes | | | | recommendations. If you do have depression, |
| How can breast cancer be related to depression? | | | | make sure to seek medical help. Getting control |
| The answers are varied. Different researcher and | | | | of your depression can help to keep stress |
| medical professionals have differing opinions. It | | | | hormones and other body functions in good |
| depends on which medical community to | | | | shape. |
| interview. Some are further investigating the | | | | Make sure to get regular check-ups and |
| mind-body link for developing breast cancer. | | | | mammograms. Self-test at least once a month. |
| Some scientists have come up with a possible | | | | If you find any abnormalities get it checked |
| cause being a hormonal link. This belief centers on | | | | immediately. Early detection of breast cancer is a |
| stress hormones that may be elevated with | | | | primary factor in cancer elimination and survival |
| depression. | | | | rates. |