Low-dose environmental radiation, DNA damage, and cancer: the possible contribution of psychological factors

Psychol Health Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):1-16. doi: 10.1080/13548500903431493.

Abstract

Radiation causes DNA damage, increases risk of cancer, and is associated with psychological stress responses. This article proposes an evidence-based integrative model in which psychological factors could interact with radiation by either augmenting or moderating the adverse effects of radiation on DNA integrity and eventual tumorigenesis. Based on a review of the literature, we demonstrate the following: (1) the effects of low-dose radiation exposures on DNA integrity and on tumorigenesis; (2) the effects of low-dose radiation exposure on psychological distress; (3) the relationship between psychological factors and DNA damage; and (4) the possibility that psychological stress augments and that psychological resource variables moderate radiation-induced DNA damage and risk of cancer. The additional contribution of psychological processes to radiation-DNA damage-cancer relationships needs further study, and if verified, has clinical implications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA / radiation effects*
  • DNA Damage*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / psychology*
  • Psychoneuroimmunology
  • Stress, Psychological

Substances

  • DNA