To the Editor: A recent Editorial (McGee et al. 26, 441–447) posed the general question ‘Are life events related to the onset of breast cancer?’, but then debated whether or not life events are directly related to the diagnosis of this condition. The distinction is small but vital. On the basis of our own large study (Cooper & Faragher, 1993) we, too, would be reluctant to infer a direct link ; however, we would infer that the occurrence of a major stress event will increase the risk of a breast cancer being detected in some women if other important psychosocial factors are present also.