Abstract
Cancer is a stressor that triggers a variety of reactions in the body that can, in turn, complicate the course of cancer. Typical hormonal reactions to stress, especially the secretion of cortisol, which mobilizes glucose into the blood, can affect the body's response to the growth of tumors by shifting metabolic activity, altering protein production, and suppressing aspects of the immune system. The immune system plays a role in tumor control and is sensitive to stress.