According to findings from the Nurses’ Health Study, an ongoing study of about 127,000 female nurses, women who suffer from depression are at increased risk of colorectal cancer.  The deeper the depression, the higher the risk.  Nurses with the most intense symptoms of depression had a 43-percent increased risk of colon cancer compared to those with the mildest symptoms.  This connection was found to be strongest among women who are overweight.

It is interesting to note that this study did not find a link between depression and the risk of colorectal adenomas (growths or polyps) in the colon and rectum that may develop into cancer.

Source:  American Journal of Epidemiology