Description
A new international study led by researchers from the University of Haifa, in collaboration with Jönköping University (Sweden) and the University of Nicosia, explores the relationship between prolonged psychological stress and the risk of developing cancer. The research was co-led by Dr. Teddy Lazebnik from the University of Haifa’s Department of Information Systems and Prof. Vered Aharonson from the University of Nicosia.
The study analyzed data from 1,318 participants across multiple countries, including Israel, drawing on comprehensive questionnaires that captured demographic, socioeconomic, and medical information, family history of cancer, and detailed assessments of daily stress levels. Participants also reported stress-related symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and changes in appetite, enabling a nuanced examination of both psychological and physiological dimensions of chronic stress.
To uncover complex patterns within the data, the research team applied advanced artificial intelligence methods, including causal regression models. These tools allowed the researchers to distinguish between the direct effects of sustained stress and related risk factors, offering deeper insight into how chronic psychological strain interacts with biological, genetic, and social variables.
The findings indicate that individuals experiencing prolonged stress—and who perceive stress as harmful to their health—are more likely to report a cancer diagnosis. Moreover, combining stress indicators with age and family history significantly improved the ability to identify individuals at elevated risk, underscoring the multifaceted nature of cancer vulnerability.
Beyond its immediate findings, the study highlights the broader health implications of chronic psychological stress, positioning it as a tangible risk factor rather than a purely emotional experience. The results suggest that stress-reduction strategies may play an important role in personalized medicine and inform public health approaches aimed at prevention and early intervention.
This research exemplifies the University of Haifa’s commitment to interdisciplinary, data-driven inquiry and to advancing knowledge with real-world relevance. By integrating behavioral science, medical insight, and innovative analytical tools, the study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of complex health risks and supports the development of more effective, evidence-based prevention strategies.