Psychophysiologic aspects of cancer: the James Ewing lecture.

Clinicians have long been aware of the influence of the neuro-endocrine axis and the action of the hypothalmus on the humoral immune response in the origin and course of cancer. Little attention has been paid, however, to the psychophysiologic aspects of cancer. These psycho-social effects may be related to hypothalamic activity, the autonomic nervous system, and neuro-endocrine activity. More attention should be paid to the manipulation of the psyche in the prevention and management of cancer.