The Silent Partner in Cancer Prevention — Why the World Must Shift Its Attitude Towards Mental Health

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by one of our passionate readers, Mr. Sina Seyyedhamzeh, a third-year medical student at Azerbaijan Medical University. The opinions expressed within reflect only the writer’s views and not necessarily The European Sting’s position on the issue.

Introduction
In today’s globalized world, social, economic, and political changes not only organize
our daily lives but also have a considerable effect on the health of individuals. Among all
the core health issues, cancer remains one of the most prevalent and feared diseases.
More than 20 million individuals are annually diagnosed with cancer globally, and nearly
10 million die from it, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). While there are
significant roles for genetic, lifestyle, and environmental determinants, there is one less
obvious one: the very close relationship among mental health, hormonal balance, and
the nervous system. Psychotherapy, which is too readily overlooked, can also be a
powerful tool in inducing and curing cancer.

The Physiological Bridge Between Mind and Body
The human body operates on constant communication between the endocrine system
and the brain. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is a prime example. In
cases of chronic stress, the brain signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol, the
primary stress hormone. While a brief increase in cortisol is helpful for survival,
sustained secretion suppresses the immune system, causes damage to DNA repair,
and perpetuates inflammation — all processes intimately linked with cancer formation
and growth.

Moreover, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine not only regulate mood,
appetite, and sleep but also influence immune function. A chemical imbalance will
render the body vulnerable to physical disease. Put simply, when the mind is ailing, the
body will surely be on its way as well.

The Missing Piece in Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention campaigns often target diet, exercise, and medical screening. But
the erosive role of long-term emotional stress is often relegated to much less visibility.
Repeated exposure to bad news, economic instability, or interpersonal stress causes

repeated stresses that overburden endocrine and nervous system equilibrium. The body
is thereby fertile ground for mind-body illness, including cancer.

This is where psychotherapy enters a life-transforming function. With stress reduction,
the resolution of negative thinking styles, and building resilience, psychotherapy is in
direct service to hormonal balance and stabilizing nervous system function. Mental and
physical health in this way are two sides of the same coin.

Global Cultural and Structural Barriers
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, psychotherapy is not given enough use in
most areas of the world. In the majority of societies, going to a psychologist remains
stigmatized and falsely perceived as an indication of weakness. This discourages early
treatment and deprives people of the preventive benefits of psychotherapy.

Access is also uneven: there are stronger mental health facilities in wealthy countries,
while the majority of low- and middle-income countries experience shortages of experts,
limited funding, and cultural resistance. This inequality deprives millions of
psychotherapy as a disease prevention measure.

Evidence and Cost-Effectiveness
Global studies prove that cancer patients who receive psychotherapy alongside medical
therapy show lower cortisol, stronger immune functions, and greater psychological
resilience. The patients are also more adherent to medical therapy and, in some cases,
live longer.

Unlike chemotherapy or surgery, psychotherapy is cheap, non-invasive, and without
major side effects. What it most requires is cultural acceptance and integration into
health policy. Such attributes make psychotherapy the most cost-efficient investment in
global public health.

A Call for Global Action
To realize the full power of psychotherapy for cancer prevention, health systems around
the world need to advance on three fronts

1. Normalize mental health — depathologize and make psychotherapy a sign of
   awareness and strength.
2. Integrate services — incorporate psychotherapy as an integral component of cancer
   treatment worldwide.
3. Policy and funding — ensure that international organizations and governments
   allocate funding and have campaigns to ensure the place of mental health in cancer
   prevention.

Conclusion
Prevention of cancer is not merely genetics or screening; it is also about acknowledging
the strong role of the mind in bodily health. The biochemical connection between
hormones, the nervous system, and the emotional self is proof that psychotherapy is not
just a body armor but also a treatment of the mind.

For the global community, the integration of psychotherapy in health care is saving
money, saving lives, and getting generations prepared to deal with adversity. An
acceptance of mental health as a luxury less than necessity is an immediate move
toward cancer burden reduction globally.

About the author
Sina Seyyedhamzeh, Hailing from Khoy, Iran | Third-year medical student at Azerbaijan
Medical University, Permanent member of the university student organization, member
of the scientific conference committee, active member of SCORE (AzerMDS) and
IFMSA-Azerbaijan, and also part of the university startup team and sports club.
Experienced in writing and presenting scientific articles at conferences, holding over 10
certificates and diplomas.
Poet and author of the book “Sarabe Eshgh”.
My goal is to conduct research in the field of medicine, promote public health, and
strengthen international scientific collaborations.