Stressful life events, perceived degree of stress, and the risk of lung cancer

Objective

We examined the experience of acute stressful life events and their perceived impact in relation to lung cancer incidence.

Methods

In a population based case-control study in Montreal, Canada, 1061 cases and 1422 controls (recruited 1996–2001) were queried on their experience of loss events (death of a family member, divorce/separation) and socioeconomic events (job loss, major income reduction, or a move to a new city) in the prior 6 years, and their own perceived stressfulness (impact) of the event. Using multivariable unconditional logistic regression, we estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of lung cancer associated with experiencing at least one of the five individual events (“any stressful event”), “any loss event” and “any socioeconomic event”, and their impact.

Results

Experiencing “any stressful life event” in the previous 6 years was not associated with lung cancer, even when accounting for perceived impact. When considering event type, loss events suggestively increased lung cancer odds, particularly when perceived as high impact (OR = 1.84, 95 % CI: 0.97–3.49). Socioeconomic events did not increase lung cancer odds.

Conclusion

This study of recent stressful life events and their perceived impact contributes to knowledge on the possible role of psychosocial stress in lung cancer.