The role of socioeconomic and stressful risk factors in the prevalence of malignancies (literature review)

Abstract

Malignant neoplasms are a significant social, social and medical problem of modern society. Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world, from which about 10 million people died in 2020. In this regard, the identification of the main factors contributing to oncogenesis is the most urgent task of modern clinical medicine. The development of a tumor involves the appearance of atypical cells in the body. Normally, the defense system monitors any attempts to attack our body, including the appearance of cells with genetically alien DNA, and prevents their harmful effects. If for some reason there is a disturbance in the functioning of the immune system, then atypical cells not only do not die, but continue their uncontrolled growth. One factor in suppressing the immune system is emotional stress. Tumor formations of malignant genesis are polyetiological. It has not been finally established which of the factors is of paramount importance, but it has been revealed that various psychosocial processes are triggers. Among them: social status, working conditions, life events (depression, hopelessness, loss of a loved one, etc.). Stress impact on the human body contributes to the disruption of homeostasis processes, leading to the development of pathological reactions in the body. A special role is played by the activation of the neuroendocrine system: the axis of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal glands and the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, it was noted that stress exposure against the background of oncopathology contributes to a decrease in life expectancy by almost two or more times. A detailed study of the relationship between psychosocial factors and environmental factors in the development, progression and mortality from certain types of cancer is important in understanding the main mechanisms of prevention of this pathology. The analysis of the results obtained can be taken into account in the development of personalized measures to prevent the development of cancer in a particular individual.