[Is prolonged psychological stress an etiological factor in breast cancer?].

1,088 women with cancer were seen in a period of 4 1/2 years at the Cancer Centre of the Greek Social Security Department in Athens. The authors present their results as far as psychological stress influences the development of cancer of the breast in 813 patients (Group A) and in 685 women who did not have cancer of the breast (Group B). They were able to show that Group A had a positive correlation which was statistically very significant (p less than 0.001) with the following parameters: the death of a much-loved person; the negative behaviour of the husband; an unexpected change in life style; continual conflicts in the family; financial problems; unsatisfactory sex life; consultations with a psychiatrist and allergy. There was a positive correlation which was statistically significant (p less than 0.01) with the parameters: disappointment in sentiment; a lowering in life style; a family history of cancer of the breast; hypertension; late start in the menarche and the onset of the menopause. The authors conclude that they believe that it is useful to look at all the factors that are known as risks for cancer of the breast, including the influence of psycho-traumatic factors.