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Childhood abuse linked to cancer
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The following is an unexpected statistic: people who suffered from childhood abuse are almost 50% more likely to develop cancer than their unabused counterparts.
The Cancer study, conducted by University of Toronto researchers, states that there had been one small study in the past that seemed to link childhood abuse to cancer. "Few talk about childhood physical abuse and cancer in the same breath," says Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson. "From a public health perspective, it's extremely important that clinicians be aware of the full range of risk factors for cancer. This research provides important new knowledge about a potential childhood abuse-cancer relationship." [EurekAlert]
They proceeded to conduct an epidemiological study. Such a study is not looking for specific scientific reasons behind a link; rather, they are carried out to investigate whether there is a link at all. By gathering data from a large pool of people, scientists are able to identify if there is cause to open scientific investigation into a certain condition.
And such a cause seems to have been found in this instance. Even when controlling for common risk factors (which could confound such a study) such as adult behavior (ie smoking) and socioeconomic status, the study found that abused children have a 47% higher probability of developing cancer.
But what does that 47% increased risk translate to? Over 13,000 residents of Manitoba and Saskatchewan responded to the survey. Of them, 7.4% (1025 people) reported they had been abused by a person close to them as a child. Of that group, 5.7% (58 people) reported that they had been diagnosed with cancer. If the 1025 people had not been abused, then the statistics state only 27 would have developed cancer. (Statistics taken from the paper’s abstract)
While these numbers may appear small, they are considerably significant. As healthcare continues to improve, life expectancy grows. And as many diseases are now treatable or curable, cancer is an ever-growing threat. By weeding out other fatal diseases, cancer has become a number one killer. Therefore, understanding all the risk factors that surround the development of cancer is essential.
As this was an epidemiological study, no solid scientific facts are given for the reason behind the link. However, the authors do suggest a possible lead. "One important avenue for future research is to investigate dysfunctions in cortisol production – the hormone that prepares us for 'fight or flight' –as a possible mediator in the abuse-cancer relationship." [EurekAlert] There have been several studies in the past that have shown an improper regulation of cortisol in the brains of those who suffered abuse. As other hormones, such as estrogen, have been linked to cancer, cortisol may be a good place to start.
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