Social Living Could Fight Cancer

By Brandie Umar - Executive Director of Content | July 10th, 2010

Recent studies have shown that people with extremely high stress levels are more susceptible to developing various forms of cancer than those with low stress levels, however according to a recent study conducted by The Ohio State University, socialising can produce mild stress levels which prohibit the development of cancerous tumours.

The protein BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is directly correlative to stress levels. High levels of BDNF levels prevent the production of the hormone leptin which stimulates cancer tumour development. Too much stress can lower the immune system; too little stress and the body can produce decreased levels of BDNF.

According to the study, living in a social environment poses challenges physical and mental, slightly elevating stress levels to a healthy level. Such mild stress raises the levels of BDNF which in turn lower the levels of leptin making the body better equipped to fight cancer growth.