A new study has revealed that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of death from both oncological disease and any other cause in cancer patients. The research, published in the journal BMJ Oncology, underscores the significance of psychosocial factors during a cancer diagnosis.
A pooled analysis of 13 studies conducted in Canada, England, Finland, France, Ireland, Japan, and the USA, involving more than 1.6 million patients (average age 63), revealed the following findings:
- Loneliness was associated with a 34% increased risk of death from any cause.
- Loneliness was associated with an 11% increased risk of death from oncological disease.
The researchers explain that loneliness and social isolation impact cancer not only through traditional biological or treatment-related factors but also through interconnected biological, psychological, and behavioral mechanisms.
For instance, biologically, stress caused by loneliness damages the immune system and increases inflammatory processes, which accelerates disease progression. Psychosocially, cancer treatment is accompanied by isolation because loved ones struggle to fully understand the patient’s fears, visible side effects of treatment create stigma, and anxiety deepens the feeling of loneliness.
Behaviorally, physical changes resulting from treatment, such as fatigue or cognitive problems, limit social activity, while continuous medical treatment weakens social connections.
Despite the significant results, the researchers urge caution when evaluating this data. This is because the analyzed studies were observational (i.e., they only observed the association and did not test a cause-and-effect relationship, as in an experiment).
However, the scientists emphasize that these study results align with earlier research, which also showed that psychological stress negatively affects human health.
As a result of the study, the scientists conclude: if these findings are confirmed by subsequent research using more precise methods, it will become essential to routinely implement psychological status assessments and targeted support programs in oncological treatment.
Furthermore, the scientists highlight a global challenge: according to projections, the number of new cancer cases will reach 35 million by 2050, and mortality will increase to 18.5 million, which will make the consideration of these psychosocial factors even more relevant.
