Research indicates that cancer patients might benefit from adopting the Princess of Wales’s approach of engaging in mindful activities, such as spending time in nature, to potentially lower the risk of their cancer spreading. Scientists examining the impact of the stress hormone cortisol on cancer cells have found that it could contribute to making tumors more resilient and challenging to treat.

Under normal circumstances, cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and dipping in the evening. However, for cancer patients, this natural rhythm is often disrupted, resulting in cortisol levels remaining relatively constant. A study conducted by Midwestern University in Phoenix, Arizona, discovered that this persistent state elevates the “stemness” of cells, which refers to their capacity to renew, adapt, and proliferate, thereby driving tumor growth.

Moreover, the research highlighted an increase in cell heterogeneity, leading to more diverse cell populations that are tougher to eliminate.

Dr. Kimberley Bussey, a chromosome specialist at Midwestern University, emphasized that “having cancer itself is stressful.” She suggests that patients should strive to minimize stress and develop coping mechanisms for stressors that cannot be removed.

Dr. Bussey also recommended that, as much as possible, patients should engage in activities advised for stress management. These include exercising, spending time outdoors, practicing mindfulness through activities like journaling, meditation, or deep breathing, maintaining a healthy diet, connecting with others, and ensuring adequate sleep.

“Patients should, in as much as they can, do things that experts advise all of us to do to manage stress — exercise, get outside in nature, engage in mindfulness practices like journaling, meditation or deep breathing, eat a healthy diet, give back to others, get enough sleep.

“Every action they take will help and being consistent will also help. Again, while reducing stress is helpful, building the resilience to manage it is equally important.”

The Princess of Wales has described nature as a “sanctuary” during her recovery from cancer.

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A recent video marking her 44th birthday showed her walking in the woods and putting her hand in a stream. Catherine likened nature to “a quiet teacher, a soft voice that guides…helping us to heal”.

Lab experiments also showed that cortisol’s effect on cells was permanent and did not reverse when stress levels later dropped.

Dr Kimberley added: “There are arguments to be made for starting and ending the day with practices that reduce stress and promote quality sleep.

“The key is to find what works for individual patients.”

The findings were presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual conference in Phoenix.