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Related Experiment Videos

Stress, coping, and immune function in breast cancer.

Linda J Luecken1, Bruce E Compas

  • 1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287, USA. Linda.Luecken@asu.edu

Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine
|November 19, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Psychological support groups may improve cancer patient outcomes, but the exact mechanisms linking coping, stress (cortisol), and immune function to disease progression require further investigation.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychoneuroimmunology
  • Oncology
  • Behavioral Medicine

Background:

  • Suggestive links exist between emotional distress and immune/neuroendocrine measures in cancer patients.
  • Psychological support groups are associated with better health outcomes, but mechanisms are unclear.
  • Controversy surrounds the extent and causality of these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To integrate evidence on coping, psychological adjustment, cortisol, immune function, and disease progression in breast cancer.
  • To evaluate a biopsychosocial model linking psychosocial factors to physiological changes and medical outcomes.
  • To clarify the impact of psychosocial interventions on both psychological and physiological aspects of breast cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and integration of current research findings.

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  • Evaluation of a biopsychosocial model.
  • Analysis of relationships between coping, adjustment, cortisol, immune markers, and disease progression.

    • Main Results:

    • Strong evidence supports that coping and psychosocial interventions improve psychological outcomes in breast cancer patients.
    • Associations between psychosocial factors and physiological measures (cortisol, immune function) are suggested.
    • The direct impact of psychosocial factors on long-term physiological outcomes and disease progression remains speculative.

    Conclusions:

    • Psychosocial interventions show clear benefits for psychological well-being in breast cancer patients.
    • The influence of coping and adjustment on cortisol levels and immune function warrants further research.
    • More investigation is needed to confirm the physiological effects and long-term medical benefits of psychosocial support in cancer care.