Doctor Reveals ‘Common Theme’ She Sees Among Cancer Patients in Eye-Opening Viral TikTok Video

Let’s be honest: We all get stressed sometimes, and even if we try to avoid it, we all go through particularly stressful times. From job changes to big moves to huge losses, stress is a normal part of the human condition, it seems.

But Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy wants to warn us: Our experiences with stress and how we deal with it are much more important to our physiology than we think.

Dr. Connealy is following the studies of Bessel van der Kolk, best known for his book, The body keeps scoreto the letter. The basic premise of the book is that our bodies literally keep a “score” of our most difficult experiences and how well we have or have not managed to overcome them.

We may have noticed that we caught a bad cough one day while working overtime at work, or right before visiting family across the country, or in the middle of moving to a new country. Each of these examples is a stressful experience for us, and sometimes that stress expresses itself in illness.

Unfortunately, our bodies also track the number of these illnesses. Over time, our bodies record our increasing “scores” and can reshape our physiology to accommodate what our bodies perceive as our natural stress state. This can lead to higher cortisol levels, weight gain, more anxiety and depressive episodes, and more.

But more importantly, Dr. Connealy points out, it can lead to cancer.

In an in-depth and heartfelt precautionary TikTok video, Dr. Connealy explains:

“A common theme I see with patients all the time is that they have usually experienced a very, very stressful event.”

“It could be extreme working conditions. It could be a child, it could be a parent, it could be a divorce, but they’ve usually been through extreme stress, which as we know affects the whole hypothalamic-pituitary axis and cortisol production. And extreme cortisol production contributes to how cancer grows and proliferates.”

Essentially, whether we have cancer or not, our stressful experiences make us sicker, and if we are not careful to practice positive self-regulation exercises and minimize our external stressors, we are more likely to suffer more serious illnesses than just a common cold.

You can watch the video here:

In the caption of his video, Connealy explains:

“New research suggests that elevated levels of cortisol and stress hormones play a key role in cancer development, metastasis and increase the risk of recurrence. Excess of these hormones can be directly carcinogenic by suppressing immune function, promoting inflammation and inhibiting normal cellular function.”

“Treating and alleviating stress should be a top priority in cancer treatment. Stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, increase in response to perceived stressors. They play a role in the “fight or flight” response and help mobilize energy stores, increase heart rate and blood pressure, and sharpen focus to deal with immediate threats.”

“Stress hormones are absolutely necessary because they allow the body to respond effectively to stressful situations and ensure our survival.”

“Tips: Spend time in natural light shortly after waking up and get enough sunlight. Ensure adequate intake of necessary nutrients, especially protein, fat-soluble vitamins, B vitamins, vitamin C minerals, etc.”

“Balance your hormones. Get enough sleep for your body. Limit exposure to toxins. Practice gratitude and mindfulness. Hug and spend time with loved ones. Take frequent walks in nature. Find ways to express your creativity.”

Some people suddenly became concerned about all their fellow TikTokers.