Which of the following stress factors are associated with the onset or progression of cancer?

Answers will vary

Feedback: Early symptoms of central nervous system impairment are similar to those of depression and include forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, psychomotor retardation, decreased alertness, apathy, withdrawal, diminished interest in work, and loss of sexual desire. In more advanced stages, patients may experience confusion, disorientation, seizures, profound dementia, and coma. A common symptom for women with AIDS is gynecologic infection. Interventions that reduce depression are, thus, useful in the fight against AIDS. Coping skills training and the practice of meditation may also improve adjustment to the disease. Stress and its neuroendocrine consequences foster a more rapid course of illness in people who are infected with HIV and lead to more opportunistic or more aggressive symptoms. Social support is very important to people with HIV infection or AIDS. Social support has been tied to greater adherence and lower viral load. Support from family appears to be especially important for preventing depression. Optimism, active coping, extraversion, conscientiousness, and spirituality all predict slower disease progression.

Which is true about the relationship between stress and immune system functioning?

When we're stressed, the immune system's ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).

How does stress weaken the immune system?

Many factors contribute to stress. But whatever the cause, stress creates a hormone in your body called cortisol. Cortisol can suppress your immune system's effectiveness in fighting off invaders by lowering the number of lymphocytes present in the blood and interfering with normal white blood cell communication.

Which type of fatigue is the effect of the stress of illness?

Decreased energy and insomnia Prolonged stress can cause chronic fatigue and disruptions in sleep, which may result in decreased energy levels.

What is an especially common and debilitating symptom of cancer?

Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms experienced by patients with cancer.