Towards a psychobiological model of cancer: psychological considerations

To date, the evidence relating to the role of stress and psychological variables in cancer aetiology and promotion is contradictory. We have attempted to clarify the issues by presenting an hypothetical psychobiological model. Two components of this model are described: (1) a characteristic behaviour pattern (Type C) which may mediate stress reactions and (2) the biological concomitants of this behaviour pattern. The mechanisms of cancer initiation and promotion are described in a companion paper (Pettingale). The main hypothesis advanced by this model is that the psychological factors described may promote cancer development; the model is offered for investigation.