Breakthrough's comment on research suggesting positive or negative experiences can affect breast cancer risk

Research published in BMC Cancer suggests that positive thinking can reduce the risk of breast cancer, while negative experiences may increase risk.

Dr Sarah Cant, Policy Manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, says:

"There is no clear evidence that positive or negative experiences can affect breast cancer risk. Emotional stress is highly subjective and is difficult to measure accurately.

"Women in this study were interviewed after breast cancer was diagnosed when they may be more likely to recall feeling depression and anxiety. The researchers also didn't account for other factors known to affect breast cancer risk such as family history or weight.

"Breast cancer is a complex disease and there is unlikely to be one single cause."