Study found that stress triggers a 'master switch' gene called ATF3 This corrupts the immune system, giving cancer an fast-track around body Discovery could help develop drugs to dampen the 'stress gene'

By Emma Robertson

PUBLISHED: 08:56 EST, 23 August 2013 | UPDATED: 10:46 EST, 23 August 2013

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Stress fuels cancer by triggering a 'master switch' gene which allows the disease to spread, according to new research.

The 'unexpected' discovery could lead to the development of drugs that target the protein and stop tumours spreading to other organs and causing death.

Stress has long been linked to many forms of the disease including breast and prostate cancer, but the reason has remained a mystery.

Doctors have discovered the 'stress gene' ATF3 can make immune cells behave erratically, giving cancer an 'escape route' to other areas of the body

Read the original post:
Stress DOES have an impact on cancer: Anxiety switches on a gene that speeds up the spread of the disease

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