Can Stress Cause Cancer? | Dr Lise Alschuler & Ryan Sternagel the Anti-Cancer Revolution

full show notes @ https://thesternmethod.com/lise-alschuler
Lise Alschuler is a naturopathic doctor with board certification in naturopathic oncology. She is the co-author of a book I highly recommend called The Definitive Guide to Cancer. She co-created iTHRIVE, a cancer survivorship programme and co-hosts a radio show, Five To Thrive Live! on the Cancer Support Network. 
In 2008, Dr. Lise was diagnosed with breast cancer. She integrated natural supplements, diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes throughout her treatment and is 10 years cancer free! She now incorporates the learnings of her own, firsthand experience into her work to help others facing the challenges of this disease. 
***Resources Mentioned***
Dr Lise’s Website 
Dr Lise’s Book - The Definitive Guide to Cancer
Five to Thrive Live – radio show / podcast
iTHRIVE: Free survivorship programme 
ListenAndCare.com
Cortisol Manager
Suntheanine
Nature's Way lavender product
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In This Episode:
The topic of this podcast is one that’s particularly close to home for Teddy and I. When Teddy was pregnant with Ryder, she experienced immense amounts of stress from a negative work environment. We often wonder about the impact this stress had on our son and if it was responsible, at least in part, for his cancer. So it’s a topic I was really excited to explore, and there’s no one better to do this with than Dr. Lise Alschuler.
In this episode Dr. Lise explains the potential negative effects that stress can have on the body, including cancer progression and relapse, and what we can do to mitigate stress and anxiety in our lives.  
What led you to becoming a naturopathic doctor specializing in cancer?
Took an undergrad class at medical school. Many people diagnosed with cancer shared their journey  Each person was unique, authentic, honest, courageous Wanted to treat these kinds of people, so decided to get into oncology Passion was in integrative medicine. Pulled out of medical school to study naturopathic medicine Offered position at cancer hospital and discovered integrative oncology Fascinated with the transformative element that a cancer diagnosis invokes in people Dr. Lise’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Lived past his prognosis using integrative oncology Two years later Dr. Lise was diagnosed with breast cancer and experienced integrative oncology firsthand She felt healthy throughout conventional treatment despite side effects  Can you talk to the importance of mindset and effective stress mitigation strategies?
We often try to create linear relationship between cause and effect Cancer is multifactorial – can't appoint blame to any one thing Take control of what we can. Modify our relationship to stress Latest research shows correlation between high levels of stress and cancer progression or recurrence, rather than initial diagnosis Cancer rates increase amongst individuals who have experienced significant stressors in their lives e.g. death of loved one or marriage break up Cancer cells have been growing for 10-20 years before they get large enough to be identified as a tumor. Stress can accelerate what's already present Stress is just one factor behind tumor acceleration All changeable through stress modification What are you finding on the relationship between stress and prognosis?
Studies look at impact of the biomarkers of stress on cancer patient outcomes Study on advanced breast cancer patients  Divided study participants by their circadian rhythms – healthy circadian patterns indicative of a healthy stress response Study showed women with flat circadian rhythms had chronic stress and died sooner – highly statistically significant. Had less immune function Cortisol suppresses our natural killer cells and other essential bodily functions  Similar results seen on studies of people with colon and lung cancer The importance of social networks
Feeling socially isolated has a negative effe