[Depression as a risk factor for cancer--is it still a hypothesis or a proven fact?]

Abstract

The connection between depression and cancer has been described several times. These observations have been made on major depression and on other kinds of depression as well. It is possible that similar genetic defect may play an important role in the development of cancer and major depression. Disturbances in function of endocrine and immunological systems, which have been observed in depression, can be the risk factor for cancer. Large epidemiological research showed that in persons with depression increased risk of cancer diseases, but not every research confirm it. Large disagreement of research results don't permit of sure answer, but the hypothesis is still possible and require incessant research. Development of research methods, particularly a new domain called molecular epidemiology give hope for more precise future answer.