Attachment experiences in women with breast cancer

Research into relational experiences of cancer patients suggests possible links between attachment processes and cancer. Women with and without breast cancer were assessed regarding attachment history and early loss, closeness to parents, and adult attachment. Women with breast cancer reported significantly higher incidences of insecure histories and early loss, and scored significantly higher on avoidant attachment than women without cancer. The women in the cancer group also scored significantly lower on closeness to parents than women in the noncancer group. These findings are preliminary and indicate that more research is needed to understand the role that attachment may play in a multidimensional, biopsychosocial model of cancer.