Study: Psychological Help Improves Breast Cancer Survival

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 18 Nov 2008 - 1:00 PST

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You've heard the saying 'mind over matter.' Now a new study gives that phrase some scientific backing. Researchers have learned that giving breast cancer patients psychological support along with their medical treatment can dramatically improve their odds of beating the disease.

Playing the piano is just one way Marsha Scanlin relaxed during her battle with breast cancer. She also met with a psychologist and other breast cancer patients once a week to learn skills to help her cope.

"It was like a no-holds-barred type of group. We did a lot of talking, a lot of sharing, there was a lot of laughter," says Marsha.

The women met as part of a research study. The question, would adding a psychological support program to medical treatment make a difference in cancer survival? The women learned coping skills like relaxation, using a support system, and improving diet and exercise. Doctor Barbara Andersen and her team at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center followed the women for ten years, measuring their immunity and stress levels along the way.

"The intervention reduced stress, it enhanced their perceptions of their social relationships so they felt more supported. And it just helped them cope more effectively," says Andersen, PhD at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

And that led to dramatic physical effects too. All of the women in the psychological support program had stronger immune systems than the women who received standard cancer treatment. They were 45 percent less likely to have their cancer return. And their risk of dying from breast cancer dropped nearly 60 percent. This response was even greater among certain women.

"The women that were depressed really did exceedingly well with the intervention. Their levels of depression fell quite substantially. Their immunity improved across the board," says Andersen.

For Marsha, the coping skills she learned are still helping her today. She believes her battle made her a stronger person, with a special knowledge to share with other women who face the same fight.

While her research only looked at breast cancer patients, Andersen says the psychological help and coping skills are relevant to anyone who is battling cancer.

Ohio State University Medical Center