• 1/26/2005
  • Cancer, published online January 24, 2005

A new study debunks the theory that personality traits are risk factors for cancer.

Scientists have hypothesized that a high degree of extroversion and a low degree of neuroticism are associated with an increased risk for cancer. The theory suggests extroverts have an increased risk because they seek social stimulation and as a result experience high levels of stress. People with low neuroticism have been thought to be at an increased risk for cancer because they tend to have a diminished emotional outlet and accumulate stress. However, some larger studies have found no such associations.

Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen, Denmark, conducted one of the largest studies to date to examine this association. They followed 29,595 Swedish twins for 25 years examining cancer history, health behavior, and personality trait data. Collecting data on twins provides a unique opportunity, say the study authors, to look at the hypothesized association while adjusting for genetic factors and other risk factors.

In the 1,898 cases of cancer reported among the group, no association was found between neuroticism or extroversion and any group of cancer. They also did not find any support for an indirect association where certain personality traits influence health behavior, such as smoking, and thus indirectly affect risk for cancer.

Source:
Cancer, January 24, 2005 as reported by Ivanhoe.com