Opinion: New findings: anxiety is linked to death from cancer in men

Olivia Remes (Department of Public Health and Primary Care) discusses new research which suggests that generalised anxiety disorder is associated with a two times higher risk for cancer deaths - but only in men. About one in 14 people around the world are affected by anxiety disorders at any given time. Those who suffer from these conditions experience impairment, disability, and are at a high risk for substance abuse and suicide. In spite of these considerable risks, research on anxiety is lagging far behind that of other common mental health problems - and many people affected don't even know they have this condition. In many cases, a decade or more can elapse before someone who develops anxiety goes to the doctor for treatment. However, waiting this long can have potentially serious consequences. New research suggests that generalised anxiety disorder is associated with a two times higher risk for cancer deaths - but only in men.