[Psychosomatics of breast cancer - present state of research and new developments]

Cancer of the breast is a malignant disease most intensively studied under a psychosomatic perspective. But validated results are rare. Further research should follow three guidelines: 1. True prospective studies of non-selected populations, 2. interdisciplinary research of endocrine, immunologic, genetic, and psycho-social influencing factors, 3. the clinical course of the disease should be investigated to improve the psycho-social rehabilitation. Main emphasis lies here on the involvement of the patient's family.