Khaberni - A new study concludes that loneliness and social isolation in cancer patients are associated with an increased risk of death.
The study was conducted by researchers from the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada, and its results were published in BMJ Oncology on October 14, and reported by the website EurekAlert.
The researchers indicate that new cancer cases globally are expected to rise to 35 million, with related deaths reaching 18.5 million by 2050.
Loneliness is relatively common among cancer patients, and although it is linked to various health problems including cognitive issues, sleep disorders, immune dysfunction, and pain, it is not clear if it is also linked to an increased risk of death from cancer.
To explore the impact of loneliness on cancer patients further, the researchers examined databases and tracked relevant studies published up to September 2024.
16 studies involving over one and a half million patients with an average age of 63 years were reviewed.
Other kind of care
The studies were conducted in Canada, England, Finland, France, Ireland, Japan, and the United States and covered different types of cancer.
Data analysis showed that loneliness was associated with a 34% increased risk of death from any cause, and an 11% increased risk of death due to cancer-related reasons.
The results, according to the researchers, suggest that loneliness and social isolation may affect cancer outcomes beyond traditional biological factors and treatment-related factors.
The researchers say, "Biologically, the stress response due to loneliness may lead to immune dysfunction and increased inflammatory activity, which ultimately contributes to disease progression."
Physical changes resulting from the treatment may limit the patient's participation in social events and weaken their community ties.
The researchers conclude that if these results are confirmed in other systematic studies, they will indicate the need to routinely integrate psychological, social assessments, and targeted interventions in the care of cancer patients.
