Link between endometrial cancer and stress

A new research project led by the University of Brighton is investigating how psychological stress may impact the development and treatment of endometrial cancer, a disease affecting thousands of women across the UK each year. 

With endometrial cancer rates rising, particularly among younger women, researchers at the University of Brighton are turning their attention to a little-explored area of cancer care: the connection between stress and tumour progression.  Dr Mary McCormack has previously reported for Total Health that, "In the UK 6,800 women are diagnosed annually. It is most common after the age of 50 and therefore the majority of women diagnosed are post-menopausal (their periods have stopped). Most women have advanced stage disease at diagnosis and are unfortunately unlikely to be cured".

See -  Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer by Dr Mary McCormack

How stress impacts cancer

The new study, funded by the Sussex Cancer Fund, is titled Psychological Stress, Glucocorticoids and Gynaecological Cancers, and focuses on how stress hormones – particularly cortisol – may accelerate tumour growth, and how medications that alter the body’s response to these hormones, called glucocorticoid receptor modulators, could help counter this effect and enhance chemotherapy. 

This innovative research aims to lay vital groundwork for future clinical trials exploring whether stress-reduction interventions could play a meaningful role alongside medical treatment in improving outcomes for patients living with endometrial cancer. 

The project is being led by Professor Melanie Flint (pictured), a nationally recognised expert in stress and cancer biology at the University of Brighton and co-director of the Sussex Cancer Research Centre, alongside PhD student Sarah Becker from the university’s School of Applied Sciences. Their work centres on how glucocorticoid signalling – triggered by the body’s stress response – may influence tumour behaviour and contribute to resistance against cancer therapies. 

Working closely with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, the research team is recruiting patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer across Sussex to contribute tissue samples. These samples are then used to grow organoids – miniature tumour models – in the lab, allowing researchers to directly observe how stress hormones interact with cancer cells in a controlled environment. 

Endometrial cancer rates on the rise in young women

Professor Melanie Flint said: “With endometrial cancer rates on the rise, particularly among younger women, it is vital to understand how stress might influence the biology of these tumours. This research not only has the potential to inform future treatment strategies but also to improve quality of life by identifying the benefits of stress reduction interventions. We are immensely grateful to the Sussex Cancer Fund for supporting this important work.” 

PhD student Sarah Becker said: “I’m focusing on how stress, via the glucocorticoid receptor, affects cancer growth and resistance to chemotherapy. My aim is to better understand the biological mechanisms behind these effects so we can ultimately inform treatment and care pathways for patients.” 

Alongside the laboratory investigations, the research team will monitor participating patients’ stress levels through regular blood tests and quality of life assessments over the next three years. The project also contributes to the training of future clinician-researchers through a Medical Doctorate (MD) programme and findings will be presented at both national and international conferences. 

The study has been made possible by a £25,679 grant from the Sussex Cancer Fund. Their contributions are helping to advance this vital, patient-focused research aimed at improving outcomes for women affected by endometrial cancer. 

Steve Crocker, Trustee of the Sussex Cancer Fund, commented: “This is exactly the kind of impactful, patient-centred research we’re proud to support. The potential to uncover new links between stress and cancer progression could lead to meaningful improvements in care and outcomes. It’s a brilliant example of the collaborative, translational work happening here in Sussex.” 

This latest research highlights the importance of collaboration between local universities, healthcare professionals and NHS Trusts in driving forward practical, accessible solutions to complex health challenges – and reflects the University of Brighton’s commitment to applied science that makes a difference in people’s lives.