DBCP who are aware of their increased risk of developing
breast cancer may suffer from high emotional distress. Chronic stress may interfere with NCA and low NCA is associated with increased
cancer risk. We studied 80
DBCP and 47 age- and education-matched healthy females (controls). Heparinized venous blood (30 ml) was drawn from all subjects between 8 and 9 A.M., and each participant answered a set of psychologic questionnaires. In addition, the first-morning urine sample was collected.
DBCP scored significantly higher in emotional distress compared to controls. Levels of stress
hormones in
DBCP were higher and in vitro secretion of
IL-2,
IL-12 and IFN-gamma lower compared to controls. NCA against NK-resistant (MCF-7, COLO-205, U937) and NK-sensitive (K562) cell lines was significantly lower in
DBCP and much less augmented by in vitro preincubation with
IL-2 or
IL-12 compared to controls. NCA and in vitro Th1
cytokine secretion were inversely correlated with the degree of emotional distress and the level of stress
hormones in blood or urine. High emotional distress and elevated levels of stress
hormones are associated with impaired immune surveillance functions in
DBCP. This may contribute to the increased risk of
DBCP to develop
breast cancer. An interventional trial to enhance coping and reduce stress levels may help to decrease the risk for
breast cancer onset in
DBCP.