Studies show that suppressed anger can be a precursor to the development of cancer.
Research from psychology suggested that intense and suppressed anger can increase the risk of breast cancer. However, there are only a few studies on the association between cancer and anger.
Anger is a common human emotion that everyone experiences at some point or other. This emotion can be triggered by events, objects, situations, feelings, and even memories. However, anger should be managed and expressed in the right way. Unexpressed or suppressed anger can result in a range of chronic mental and physical health issues.
Suppressed Anger and Cancer: Understanding the Connection
Suppressed anger can result in elevated levels of the stress hormone called cortisol. This hormone, cortisol, can result in a multitude of negative effects on the body. Too much cortisol can result in an imbalance in blood sugar, suppress thyroid function and decrease bone density.
Cortisol can also negatively impact your body’s immune system. Several studies have shown that chronic-angry people are more susceptible to frequent colds, flu infections, asthma, and other health issues.
Research also says that chronic anger can increase the risk of prostate, lung, colorectal, and breast cancers. This association is true for most suppressed emotions including grief, frustration, resentment, stress, or anger.
Stress is known to disrupt the gut flora and impact your digestive system negatively. This increases your risk of prostate and colorectal cancer.
Also Read: Boost your Dopamine naturally
Ways to manage your anger
Feeling angry, agitated, or frustrated at times, is normal. Just like the different colors of a rainbow, there are different shades of emotions. Anger is a normal human emotion and getting angry is not wrong.
But how you manage and process your anger is important. You do not have to act on the feeling of anger, this does not mean you have to suppress your anger. Feel the emotion and understand the root cause that triggered this emotion. Once you understand the root cause, it becomes easy to process this emotion.
Here are some of the ways to process your emotions –
Engage in physical activity
Exercising helps in releasing endorphins that can help you calm down. Try moving your body when you feel angry. Exercising can help relieve anger and regulate your emotions.
Some of the best exercises for calming anger are:
- Running or jogging
- Weight training
- Yoga
- Martial arts
- Swimming
- Meditating
Get enough sleep at night
Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Studies have shown sleep deprivation can impact your ability to manage emotions properly. Getting adequate sleep can improve your mood and lessen your anger.
See a mental health professional
Many people suffer from chronic anger issues, where they lose control over their emotions and things blow out of proportion. A mental health professional can help you process your suppressed emotions and train you to handle your emotions in a better way.
Also read: Discovering the wonders of self-compassion
Research on Anger and Cancer Risk
Some studies have explored the possible link between anger and cancer risk.
A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that men who reported high levels of anger had a significantly increased risk of developing cancer over a 10-year period. The study followed 1,455 men aged 45-59 years and found that those who scored high on a measure of anger had a 2.5 times higher risk of developing cancer than those who scored low.
A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that women who reported higher levels of anger and hostility had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The study followed 3,075 women aged 50-79 years and found that those who scored high on a measure of anger had a 70% higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who scored low.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who reported high levels of anger and stress had a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. The study followed 619 women and found that those who reported high levels of anger and stress had a 2.3 times higher risk of developing cervical cancer than those who reported low levels.
A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that men who reported high levels of anger had a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The study followed 1,630 men and found that those who scored high on a measure of anger had a 2.7 times higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who scored low.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who reported higher levels of anger had a higher risk of developing lung cancer. The study followed 1,346 women and found that those who scored high on a measure of anger had a 2.3 times higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who scored low.
Disclaimer!
It’s important to note that these studies do not prove a causal relationship between anger and cancer. Other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures, could be contributing to the observed associations. Additionally, the studies relied on self-reported measures of anger, which may not accurately reflect a person’s true levels of anger or hostility.
Your takeaway!
Feeling angry once in a while is a normal human tendency, but if you lose control over your anger or you tend to feel chronic anger, then it can increase the risk of several health issues, including cancer. Anger mismanagement can ruin your relationship, impact your work achievements and negatively affect your health.
Thankfully, there are many helpful tips that can aid you in gaining control over anger. You can check out my blog on anger management. If you still find yourself struggling with anger, then you can reach out to me for counseling.
