Here's another reason to take a walk, and a deep breath at work. Work-related stress could put women at higher risk of developing breast cancer.
A new study out of Sweeden shows women in more demanding jobs are thirty-percent more likely to develop breast cancer than those who feel they're on top of their work.
The study began in 1990 and followed 36,000 women - between the ages of 30 and 50. By 2004, 767 of the women, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Other factors, like alcohol consumption, number of children, weight and age, were also taken into account in the study.
Researchers found no link between stress and cancer, among women in part-time work.
The reason why stress is a risk factor is unclear, but studies suggest it may raise levels of the hormone estrogen, which can heighten the risk of cancer. Another theory -- stress changes a woman's behavior, making them adopt unhealthy habits, like smoking and not exercising.
The study's lead researcher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine -- says stress could also potentially weaken the immune system.
The findings appear in this month's medical journal "Epidemiology."
