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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
05:44
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Coping and adjustment to breast cancer
K D McCaul1, A K Sandgren, B King
1Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105, USA. MCCAUL@Badlands.Nodak.Edu
Psycho-Oncology
|July 3, 1999
Summary
Women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer who used avoidant coping strategies experienced more distress. Identifying these coping behaviors can help pinpoint individuals needing additional support for breast cancer adjustment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Breast cancer diagnosis presents significant psychological challenges.
- Early-stage breast cancer requires understanding adjustment predictors.
- Coping mechanisms play a crucial role in patient well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of adjustment to early-stage breast cancer.
- To examine the relationship between coping behaviors and psychological distress.
- To determine factors influencing quality of life post-diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study with 61 women diagnosed with Stage I or II breast cancer.
- Data collected at diagnosis and 4 months post-diagnosis.
- Assessed disease, treatment, and coping behavior variables.
Main Results:
- Avoidant coping was the strongest predictor of psychological distress.
- Higher levels of avoidant coping correlated with increased distress.
- Avoidant coping also predicted quality of life to a lesser extent.
Conclusions:
- Avoidant coping strategies are linked to greater distress in breast cancer patients.
- Identifying avoidant coping can help identify women at risk for adjustment difficulties.
- Findings support psychological interventions focusing on coping strategies for breast cancer survivors.
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