Abstract: A new study published in Scientific Reports (2025) explores a fascinating link between chronic stress and prostate cancer risk, using data from over 161,000 men in the UK Biobank. Researchers examined Allostatic Load (AL), a biological marker reflecting the body’s cumulative stress burden, and found that men with higher AL scores had a significantly increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Interestingly, this association was especially strong among men younger than 58 years, hinting that prolonged stress may have deeper biological consequences on early cancer development than previously understood.
These findings suggest that chronic stress is not just a psychological concern, but a potentially measurable biological risk factor in cancer progression. The study also revealed a more than additive joint effect between AL and genetic risk scores, underscoring how lifestyle, stress, and genetics may collectively shape cancer vulnerability. As research continues to unfold, this work reinforces the importance of stress management and preventive health strategies as integral components of long-term well-being.
Read the full paper here: Allostatic load and risk of prostate cancer in UK Biobank | Scientific Reports
